11.00 USD

Anny Ondra, Czech Film Star, circa 1928, by Ross Verlag

Welcome to "Idols of the 1920s," where we hope to provide a special, cozy place for those of you who long to linger among the stars of the early silver screen, the hoofers and songbirds of dear old vaudeville's fading hours, a few divas of the grand opera, and of the operetta too, flappers, flappers, more flappers, and of course, and perhaps especially, those femmes fatales who with one smoldering glance can melt a heart, or break it in two. Have fun!

Anny Ondra, born Anna Sophie Ondráková in 1903, was a Czech film actress who began in the silents, but was also successful in the talkies. Most of her films were German, though she did make a couple of British films with director Alfred Hitchcock!

After an amicable divorce from her first husband, producer Karel Lamac (with whom she continued a professional relationship long after their divorce), she married the famous heavyweight boxer Max Schmelling, to whom she remained married until her passing in 1987.

Incidentally, although Schmeling a heavyweight contender and champion, famous for his bouts against Baer and Louis, was used as a propaganda tool by the Nazi regime in the 1930s, the story emerged long after the war, that he and Anny Ondra had hidden a couple of Jewish children in their home, thus saving their lives, during the Berlin Purge.

One of those two early Hitchcock films, "Blackmail," released in 1929, was also the very first "talkie" made in Britain. If you follow the link below to Youtube you can watch a very nice print of it, so butter up some popcorn and get cozy :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwkfM-Gi7KU

A wonderfully evocative image. Card shows some wear on corners and surface. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, the price is the same as for a single card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, due to the costs of international shipping will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

17.00 USD

Mack Sennet Star Louise Fazenda, circa 1920, by Iris Verlag

Okay, of course we know who's stealing the show in this image, but sadly we know nothing about the cute pup :)

Miss Louise Fazenda (1895-1962) was a very successful actress, appearing in more than 300 films (mostly comedies) over the course of her career. In the early 20s, she also took a break from film and appeared in vaudeville for a time (Thanks Wikipedia!).

If you follow the link below to Youtube, you can enjoy the 1916 comedy short starring Miss Fazenda, "Her Fame and Shame," in which her character "helps out at her papa's beanery, and serves up indigestion a la carte!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oajt_rxhJzQ

It's hard to find her postcards. This one was published by Iris Verlag, which was pretty much the Austrian version of German publisher Ross Verlag, but we notice the Amag (Albrecht and Meister, a Berlin postcard publisher) logo on the back side of this card too.
A great card, but with a visible crease in the upper left corner.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully-insured, first class shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will not charge for postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

11.00 USD

Pola Negri, Femme Fatale of the Silent Screen, by Iris Verlag, circa 1920s

Welcome to "Idols of the 1920s," where we hope to provide a special, cozy place for those of you who long to linger among the stars of the early silver screen, the hoofers and songbirds of dear old vaudeville's fading hours, a few divas of the grand opera, and of the operetta too, flappers, flappers, more flappers, and of course, and perhaps especially, those femmes fatales who with one smoldering glance can melt a heart, or break it in two. Have fun!

Stunning image, circa 1920s, of Silent movie maven Pola Negri lying back and no doubt plotting some fiendish femme fatale maneuver. Here, she is unusually minus a turban. We have sometimes wondered if Miss Negri was less than entirely pleased with the look of her brow on camera, (you know, the way Fred Astaire thought his hands were too large, and always contrived to hide some of his fingers in dance scenes), because she has it covered with crowns and turbans and sashes in more images than any other actress we've run across. In fact, she is credited with creating the fashion of turban wearing here in the U.S.

A very nice card published by Iris Verlag of Austria, but with a visible crease in the lower left corner.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

32.00 USD

As per convo

12.00 USD

Cousin Jeanette and Her Little Smile. French RPPC, posted 1904

Lovely "girl with her doll" image! Some of the ink from the back side shows through just a bit in this image. Such a pretty girl, such a pretty doll! The sender, a Monsieur Louis Cadet, sent this card to "Maman" Louise, identifying the image as one of his "dear cousin Jeanette and her little smile." We wish he'd included her doll's name, but that is asking a little too much :)

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully-insured, first class shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will not charge for postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

4.00 USD

Little Girl with Big Doll. French RPPC circa 1910

*Damaged!* There are two pin holes in this much-loved RPPC of a determined little girl holding on to a doll almost as big as she is.

When we purchased this card for the shop, we did not have the advantage of a scan of the back side, or we would have noticed the pin holes...grrr...ah well, danger IS, after all, our business :) We're still very pleased to share this wonderful image with you and to list it at a price below our cost.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully-insured, first class shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will not charge for postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

24.00 USD

The Brave Adventurers. French RPPC, circa 1910

How absolutely exciting! What secrets will they uncover in the garden? What great adventures will they brave? Lovely print too. Lots and lots of toys, who no doubt share in these adventures. They could be off to a place like Narnia :) We so love the VERY serious expressions on their faces!

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully-insured, first class shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will not charge for postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

36.00 USD

Gorgeous hand-colored nude circa 1895-1905. This seems to be one of those "Merrie Melodies" style fantasies in which ordinary household objects (bookends, teapots, matchboxes, etc.) come to life and dance around at night when the people are sleeping. Always loved those :)
In this case, the bronze figurine that sits on top of the mantle clock (a fetching redhead) comes to life, so maybe a bit more of a "gentleman's" fantasy :)

See our third listing image (obviously not for sale) of the sort of mantle clock we're speaking of. My grandparents had one, in fact, with a statuette of Hans Christian Andersen on top (wouldn't have made for a very fetching nude, but very writerly :).

Very nice condition. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully-insured, first class shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will not charge for postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

33.00 USD

Gorgeous hand-colored nude circa 1895-1905. This seems to be one of those "Merrie Melodies" style fantasies in which ordinary household objects (bookends, teapots, matchboxes, etc.) come to life and dance around at night when the people are sleeping. Always loved those :)
In this case, the bronze figurine that sits on top of the mantle clock (a fetching redhead) comes to life, so maybe a bit more of a "gentleman's" fantasy :)

See our third listing image (obviously not for sale) of the sort of mantle clock we're speaking of. They were popular in the mid to late 1800s, we think. My grandparents had one in fact, with a statuette of Hans Christian Andersen on top (wouldn't have made for a particularly fetching nude, but very writerly :).

Very nice condition, though on this one of the two cards we're listing out of this series, the colorist was a little less careful. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully-insured, first class shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will not charge for postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

22.00 USD

Welcome to "Idols of the 1920s," where we hope to provide a special, cozy place for those of you who long to linger among the stars of the early silver screen, the hoofers and songbirds of dear old vaudeville's fading hours, a few divas of the grand opera, and of the operetta too, flappers, flappers, more flappers, and of course, and perhaps especially, those femmes fatales who with one smoldering glance can melt a heart, or break it in two. Have fun!

Gorgeous print! Lovely portrait (one of the nicest we've seen, personally,) of Greta Garbo. From the Ross Verlag series number on the card, we know at least that the card dates to about 1928, but haven't found out what film the image is associated with.

Born in poverty, in 1905, the great Garbo grew up in a slum in Stockholm, Sweden. She lost her father to the Spanish flu at the age of fourteen, got a job as a shop girl at a department store, and her first motion picture work was in commercials for that store. By age 20, she was a star in Germany, and in 1926, was brought to Hollywood by Louis B. Mayer, where she very soon became the highest paid, and most popular actress, in that studio.

She retired from film work at the age of 35. Was very careful about her investments, and so never wanted for comfort. She was never really antisocial (as is sometimes suggested), and had many close friends, but was extremely private and abhorred publicity. We love the movie Ninotchka (1939, with Melvin Douglas). It never feels dated to us, and if you haven't seen it, please do. We love Melvin Douglas in just about anything, and it's great seeing Garbo in a comedy. Also, any silent films she was in are such a treat. Before seeing a lot of her earlier stuff, we thought she may have been a little over-hyped, someone people just found it popular to rave about, but personally, we've changed our tune. She just lights up the screen with her presence.

Of interest to her fans might be that if you go to Youtube and see her in one of the old European silents like "Joyless Street," you'll be seeing her before Louis B. Mayer had her teeth straightened. Yep, one of the first sights she saw, before even going from New York to Hollywood, was the dentist!

Beautiful card in very nice condition. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, the price is the same as for a single card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, due to the costs of international shipping will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

19.00 USD

Beautiful resolution on this RPPC evidenced by the wonderful clarity in our close crop. What an expression the photographer captured! Sweet, but looking twice, possibly just a little bit spooky? Great detail on the costume.

Very nice unposted condition on a card we're guessing was produced during the decade between the late 1910s, and the late 1920s.

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

22.00 USD

Remarkably polished studio RPPC of three children in costume for the Nice Carnaval. Could almost be a commercially published image. The tennis racket is kind of an odd bit of physical business :) Gotta give the tiny one something to fiddle with, I guess.

Nice unposted condition. We have a number of customers who use our postcards (or their images) in their artwork, or for the production of commercial art projects. RPPCs like this one are particularly well suited for this, why? Because since RPPCs (Real Photo Post Cards) were usually printed by small studios, or home workshop photographers, in very limited runs for friends and family, a card like this offers the commercial artist access to an original image of which there may be only a single one remaining in existence! Pretty cool :)
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

17.00 USD

To pick a peck of Pierrots,

To make of Pierrots a posset,

One twists the spigot,

Just like so,

And they'll come tumbling

Out the faucet!


Well, a posset of Pierrots sounds a little unlikely, but we had a jumble of them here, and needed them to do something that began with a P :)

Lovely RPPC from somewhere around the 1920s, of a children's theatrical production, a bit like a photographic version of something Maxfield Parrish might have dreamed up :)

Some wear at the corners and edges of this wonderful old moment in time.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

18.00 USD

Prior to the Meiji period in Japan (1868-1912), the kago was pretty much the mode of public transport for anyone not of the Samurai class in Japan. By the 1870s, the rickshaw, or "jinrikisha," was replacing the kago as urban transport, but Japan is a mountainous country, and the rickshaw was often impractical in the countryside, so the kago remained in use as a means of transportation into the 20th century, and well after the introduction of travel by railway in the late 1900s.

Our postcard was probably produced sometime between 1895, and 1904, and is a fine example of an early picture postcard. Just as a guess, since this is a French postcard, it seems possible that this photograph was made at the World's Fair in Paris, the Exposition Universelle of 1900, in the Japan Pavilion, or for sale there.

Note the backside. Undivided by a central vertical line, the entire space was by law restricted to the recipient's address, and the small photo image on the front allowed space for a message from the sender. This was the case on French postcards into 1904 (1902 in England), when the divided back cards were introduced in France.

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

19.00 USD

Wonderful nude, so evocative of the era. If we were guessing (and I guess we are :), we would say Vienna was where this was produced. The card certainly shows some wear on both front and back, but if anything, it adds to the image, and we're keeping the price low.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully-insured, first class shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will not charge for postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

33.00 USD

as per convo

54.00 USD

as per convos

19.00 USD

What a lovely opportunity to have a look at the stockings that were all the rage circa 1910! Probably a bit risque for the time, this postcard was out of the popular series Silhouettes Parisiennes. Really cool!!

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully-insured, first class shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will not charge for postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

17.00 USD

Méaty (presumably pronounced "may-ah-tee," but sometimes spelled "Miati," too, which would sound more like "Mee-ah-tee," ) is a particular favorite of ours. Don't you just love the smoky look she gives the camera?

Mlle. Méaty Fleuron was the little sister of Marguerite Rauscher, better known as Lise Fleuron, a very popular music hall queen of la Belle Epoque. Both of these sisters would seem to have enjoyed their greatest popularity in the late 19th century, Lise began in the 1880s and Méaty in the '90s. Though we find very little history on either performer, they almost certainly were performing into the early 1900s, since their postcards continued to be produced during that time, selling in great numbers. Mlle. Méaty clearly took a page from her more famous sister's book, and made great use of the plunging neckline, but unlike Mlle. Lise, we seldom catch her smiling brightly. Like Paul and John of the beatles, Lise was the "cute" one, and Méaty, the "moody" one :)

This image, like many of her photo portraits, was probably made by Monsieur Oricelly of Paris who seems to have been one of her favorite photographers.
The Parisiana, a caf'conc (cafe concert), and one of the establishments where Mlle. Fleuron was performing when this card was printed, was a popular night spot on the Boulevard Poissoniere in Paris. It was built in the early 1890s, was closed by the prefect of police because of problems with "security" (a bit of an "unwholesome" atmosphere, possibly? but no details) and was turned into a cinema with 1500 seats in the early 1910s.

A brief word on the cafe-concert. As English speakers, when we think of these night spots we often think "music hall." The music hall though, was a British import of the 1890s, an establishment offering variety entertainment that charged admission at the door like the modern theaters we're more used to. Having paid admission, the patrons filled the seats and enjoyed the show.

The caf'conc, on the other hand, is often thought to better represent the kind of entertainment we associate with Paris of la Belle Epoque. Though also an entertainment venue, a caf'conc was initially a place that served food and drink (probably with focus on the drink) and where acts were booked to keep the patrons entertained. The caf'conc often offered other diversions, certainly in addition to the tables where patrons were served, there were dance floors, even ballrooms, sometimes beautiful gardens with shady, secluded spots where patrons could enjoy whispers and kisses. Simple playground fun, slides and swings, even grand carousels. This made for a less controlled, sometimes a bawdier atmosphere, while the music halls, though they offered the same sort of lively entertainment onstage, had the patrons seated in the auditorium, and were naturally more staid. It was in the late 1800s that a change from caf'conc to music hall gradually occurred (an early "British invasion" with many of Paris's favorite establishments being owned and operated by British theatrical entrepreneurs ), and by WWI, with the curtain closing on the "Beautiful Era," the grand cafe concerts of la Belle Epoque were mostly memories of a bygone time.

Lovely condition on this card! Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully-insured, first class shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will not charge for postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

19.00 USD

Méaty (presumably pronounced "may-ah-tee," but sometimes spelled "Miati," too, which would sound more like "Mee-ah-tee," ) is a particular favorite of ours. Don't you just love the smoky look she gives the camera?

Mlle. Méaty Fleuron was the little sister of Marguerite Rauscher, better known as Lise Fleuron, a very popular music hall queen of la Belle Epoque. Both of these sisters would seem to have enjoyed their greatest popularity in the late 19th century, Lise began in the 1880s and Méaty in the '90s. Though we find very little history on either performer, they almost certainly were performing into the early 1900s, since their postcards continued to be produced during that time, selling in great numbers. Mlle. Méaty clearly took a page from her more famous sister's book, and made great use of the plunging neckline, but unlike Mlle. Lise, we seldom catch her smiling brightly. Like Paul and John of the beatles, Lise was the "cute" one, and Méaty, the "moody" one :)

This image, like many of her photo portraits, was probably made by Monsieur Oricelly of Paris who seems to have been one of her favorite photographers. Love that pointy chignon on her wig! Wonderful :)
The Parisiana, a caf'conc (cafe concert), and one of the establishments where Mlle. Fleuron was performing when this card was printed, was a popular night spot on the Boulevard Poissoniere in Paris. It was built in the early 1890s, was closed by the prefect of police because of problems with "security" (a bit of an "unwholesome" atmosphere, possibly? but no details) and was turned into a cinema with 1500 seats in the early 1910s.

A brief word on the cafe-concert. As English speakers, when we think of these night spots we often think "music hall." The music hall though, was a British import of the 1890s, an establishment offering variety entertainment that charged admission at the door like the modern theaters we're more used to. Having paid admission, the patrons filled the seats and enjoyed the show.

The caf'conc, on the other hand, is often thought to better represent the kind of entertainment we associate with Paris of la Belle Epoque. Though also an entertainment venue, a caf'conc was initially a place that served food and drink (probably with focus on the drink) and where acts were booked to keep the patrons entertained. The caf'conc often offered other diversions, certainly in addition to the tables where patrons were served, there were dance floors, even ballrooms, sometimes beautiful gardens with shady, secluded spots where patrons could enjoy whispers and kisses. Simple playground fun, slides and swings, even grand carousels. This made for a less controlled, sometimes a bawdier atmosphere, while the music halls, though they offered the same sort of lively entertainment onstage, had the patrons seated in the auditorium, and were naturally more staid. It was in the late 1800s that a change from caf'conc to music hall gradually occurred (an early "British invasion" with many of Paris's favorite establishments being owned and operated by British theatrical entrepreneurs ), and by WWI, with the curtain closing on the "Beautiful Era," the grand cafe concerts of la Belle Epoque were mostly memories of a bygone time.

Lovely condition on this card! Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully-insured, first class shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will not charge for postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!