Charles Dana Gibson (American, 1867 1944) created one of the earliest forms of pinup illustration, known as the Gibson Girl. She was the image of idealized beauty in the early 20th century. She was proper, self confident, and maintained an alluring gaze to the viewer.

While the original pinup was intended for soldiers and other war-stricken people as a boost in morale, the pinup girl would go on to gain a more sexualized reputation in the 50s. Appearing in everything from advertisements, to magazines, and to movies.