36.00 USD

Rather casual attire for an evening out, don't you think? Another card out of this same series (with the model in a different pose) is one of the much reproduced risque cards out of this era. With rare exception, we sell only originals, and it is a treat to find one from this series that few people have seen! Lots of fun. This photograph was taken by Jean Agelou (or possibly George) and is marked by their GP logo.

There is some album residue on the back side of this card, otherwise in fine 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!

16.00 USD

The theatrical production this card represents, can't be confused with the Ballet d'Orphée set to the Stravinski score, since that one wouldn't exist for another 50 years, or so. Probably this depicts a scene out of the late 18th century opera Orphée et Eurydice, by Gluck, for which a French libretto was rewritten, from the Italian, in the 1770s. Slightly different versions of that opera, with lots of ballet routines, were still very popular in 1900.

Anthony's of Paris was a photographic studio in business from, at least, the 1890s, into the early 1930s. We can say that much for certain, having located cabinet cards, cartes de visites, and later postcards, that were produced over that time. The photographer (presumably Monsieur "Anthony") never gained the kind of notoriety enjoyed by Leopold Reutlinger, Henri Manuel, or the other major French photographers whose work we often list in our shop, and perhaps this is why we can find no biographical data on him, whatsoever.

Today, the images most often recognized as his, are probably of the Sisters Lorisson, those five young ladies with the tall chignons, who appeared in dramatic tableau images, in "costumes greques," and often hand-tinted. The images are a little over the top, and the "Sisters," like these young women, were usually posed a little woodenly. Please don't mistake us, though. While admittedly "stagey," and perhaps naive when compared to say, Manuel's work, we find these "Anthony's" images extremely charming, and very evocative of the era. In fact, some readers who have visited our blog, may have noticed that our background image is from a wonderful Sisters Lorisson card.

This Anthony's image is lots of fun, really kind of magical, we think, and in wonderful 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 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

Beautiful, and oh-so-delicately colored Art Nouveau decoration on this wonderful old deckled-edge card. Image design itself appears to have been initially printed (possibly from a copper plate engraving?) or simply by lithograph (but there is no evident dot matrix), in shades of gray, and then tinted with watercolor. At least that's how it looks to us. It seems that we are fated to be almost always enthusiasts, but never experts, so we admire, adore, and raise questions, but seldom have definite answers :) If you know by what technique this beautiful effect was achieved, please enlighten us!

Posted in 1902, probably towards the end of the year since the message along the bottom edge translates roughly as, "A thousand (good) wishes for 1903 my dear Eva," and was signed Suzanne. Some age discoloration, but overall in 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!

14.00 USD

This beautiful gal often appeared in risque French postcard images photographed by J. Mandel and published by Alfred Noyer. Very nice monochrome glamor card by P-C Paris.
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!

14.00 USD

Wonderful 1920s couples romance with horse by Alfred Noyer.
Did we go a little too far with eggplant? :) But hey, there just aren't many shades of purple beginning with the letter E.
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!

12.00 USD

Very nice monochrome glamor image by P-C Paris, circa 1920s.
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!

14.00 USD

Lovely couples romance card by Sol, circa 1920s. Nice unposted condition, with writing, in a nice hand, on the reverse. 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

Wonderful white garters over black stockings!!! This is such a classic "french" postcard. The word french in this context, like "french" bread, remains uncapitalized by us when referring to these early 1900s nude and risque images. Here in the USA at least, "french postcard" was a common term in the early 1900s and beyond, for nude or risque postcard images whether they originated in France, or not.

Jean Agelou is practically notorious for his risque and erotic postcard images of the early 1900s. Born in Alexandria Egypt to French parents in 1878, he was active as a photographer in France from at least the early 1900s.

He and his brother George produced "legitimate" work as well, and though we've read in a few places that George was not himself the photographer, but only handled the business end of their partnership, we've come across plenty of cards with the identifying logo "G A Paris" (G for George rather than J for Jean) and also a few marked Cliché George Agelou which might suggest that George took a more active role in the actual photography than is sometimes supposed, even perhaps striking out on his own for a time.

Jean Agelou and his brother George both died in an automobile accident in 1921.
A great card. Minor wear to edges and corners.
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!

36.00 USD

Jean Agelou and his brother George made use of a number of postcard logos throughout their careers. Apparently this GP logo was one of them. Indeed we've found cards out of commonly JA Paris marked series also tagged with this GP logo.

A particularly fun bit of "insider" info: It has been suggested that if you look at the GP logo a little cross-eyed, the dark negative space within the white GP initials takes the shape of JA! Try it! Are we having a "Paul is Dead" moment? I know I am :)

Great image. We love this model. The scene is set beautifully and we just never get tired of the infinite varieties of garters stockings and shoes :)

Hmm...you know, when we get home, the first thing off is the shoes! Why is it that these Fin de Siecle French gals always seem to leave them for last? Any idea?

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!

16.00 USD

Gorgeous art card in the style of the Baron Raimund (Ritter von Brennerstein) Wichera, whose work was published by Marcus Munk of Vienna in the early 1900s. Those cards were often identified by the text MM Vienne on the reverse of the card, but is missing on this one. Wichera's lovely art was so popular, and remains so today, that you'll often find dealers and collectors referring to M.M. Vienne as a postcard artist, when in fact the M.M. stands for M. Munk, and the Vienne, the German for Vienna, where the cards were printed!

The Baron Wichera's art was often copied in style, but being by no means experts, we can't say what this artist's connection may have been, and we can't make out the signature other than to say it is not Wichera's

Very nice unposted 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!

14.00 USD

Gorgeous art card in the style of the Baron Raimund von Ritter Wichera, whose work was published by Marcus Munk of Vienna in the early 1900s. Those cards were often identified by the text MM Vienne on the reverse of the card, but is missing on this one. Wichera's lovely art was so popular, and remains so today, that you'll often find dealers and collectors referring to M.M. Vienne as a postcard artist, when in fact the M.M. stands for M. Munk, and the Vienne, the German for Vienna, where the cards were printed!

The Baron Wichera's art was often copied in style, but being by no means experts, we can't say what this artist's connection may have been, and we can't make out the signature other than to say it is not Wichera's

Very nice posted 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!

9.00 USD

We have no information on this very sweet dancer, Mlle. Graziella. When M. Sartony made this portrait, she was appearing at the Cafe des Ambassadeurs, a Champs-Elysées venue founded in the mid 18th century!

A century later.... "In 1867, Pierre Ducarre, who had made a name for himself by opening a magnificent restaurant at the Universal Exhibition, bought the Ambassadeurs. Under his leadership it became a centre of entertainment for the aristocracy and continued to flourish as one of centre of singing in Paris enduring to the beginning of the 1914 war. In the 1870s it was a regular destination of some of the best-known figures of art and the demi-monde. Edgar Degas and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec portrayed numerous scenes of the nocturnal acitvities, Aristide Bruant performed there and Cheret designed a series of 26 famous posters."

( this quote was taken from the site, the Jazz Age Club. Great site!!! Link below.)

http://www.jazzageclub.com/venues/cafe-des-ambassadeurs/

On the photographer, Sartony, we also found next to nothing! We know the studio was operated out of 45 Rue de La Fayette, that in the early 2000s, there was still a studio bearing the name Sartony Lafitte at that same address, though whether related or not (it seems likely), we cannot say.

Also, just down the street, there was a Sartony camera shop (see "not for sale" image above from a 1925 advertisement). Way to diversify! :)

Gently softened corners, but otherwise a very nice unposted 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!

17.00 USD

Mlle. Xaviere De Léka, also Deléka, or Deleka, posing in a really wonderful Art Nouveau costume for famed theatrical portraitist Walery of Paris.
We've done a good bit of digging in our attempt to provide some biographical background on this performer. She performed at the Moulin Rouge in about 1900-1904* (approximately the time at which this portrait was made).
In 1907, she was mentioned in an article which appeared in the Kansas City Star, on the subject of tight-lacing, or what was often termed the wasp-waist fad. According to this article, Mlle. Jane Dirys did not wear a tight-laced corset. Mlle. De Léka did. And famed sculptor, Auguste Rodin, did not approve :)

Thanks to a wonderful thesis by Joseph Albert North, for Durham University in which Mlle. De Léka figures briefly, we know she was performing on stage a "danse d'apaches" routine in Rome in about 1912, and was then hired to appear in a number of Italian silent films produced that same year, before returning to Paris, where she was to appear, again, at the Moulin Rouge.

Then, finally, we came across a short obituary in Variety Magazine, for April, 1914, which states that, "Xaviere De Leka, cafe concert chanteuse, and also Mlle Lambell, comedienne, died in Paris, April 6th." Unfortunately, it says nothing about how, or if together or separately.

It always feels a little sad to us when we come across marvelous images of these brightly shining stars of human beings, but can learn so little about them. In this case we are actually luckier than in many, where virtually nothing turns up.

An uncommon image of this performer, at least in our experience. Photo by Walery. Though posted in 1907, the card itself was probably published before 1905, given the undivided back, and the fact that she is billed as performing at the Moulin Rouge* (see above).

A lovely image of this performer. 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

Lovely condition and brilliant color on this 1920s era risque flapper image. Inking and coloration are in many ways reminiscent of golden age comic book art! Sorry, but we cannot make out the artist's name, so can offer no information. If you recognize the work, or the signature, please let us know! We learn from you guys every day :)
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!

16.00 USD

Lovely Camilla Horn (1903-1996) was trained, as a young girl, for a career as a dressmaker, but longed to be an actress. In the mid 1920s she found work, as an extra, in the silent film "Madame Doesn't Want Any Children." Also working as an extra on that film was a young Marlene Dietrich!
In 1926, Fraulein Horn got her career making break, when she replaced Lillian Gish as Gretchen, in F.W. Murnau's Expressionist Masterpiece "Faust."

Soon after this, she traveled to the U.S., where she made a few films (starring opposite John Barrymore in "Tempest" to name one), but returned to Europe at about the same time sound arrived on the scene. It wasn't the advent of sound that was the problem, though, as she continued to make talkies in Europe, had a very nice singing voice, and was quite successful, but we will guess it was the language barrier that was the obstacle to her success in Hollywood.

***One of the great things about the silent era, we think, was the ability of fine actors and actresses to make films in countries far from their own, with language never being a great obstacle. An excellent example of this would be Sessue Hayakawa, a Japanese actor who, early on, with a very heavy accent, and not a lot of English, was a popular leading man in silent film, cast romantically opposite actresses of European descent. His skilled dramatic performances, dark good looks, and moody, brooding expressiveness broke many hearts in an era when ethnocentricity and predjudice against difference of any sort was rampant, so really, silent film was bridging that gap, but once sound displaced it, that bridge all but collapsed for decades.***

Camilla Horn's unwillingness to toe the political line during the 1930s in Germany, made her unpopular with the Nazis, but she waited them out, and her popularity as an actress continued into the 1950s.

Below is a link to a Youtube clip of a short, very early, ballad by the Boss (Bruce Springsteen), called Camilla Horn. We thought you might find that fun, and another Youtube link to a clip from the Murnau film "Faust," with the focus on Fraulein Horn's character, Gretchen.

Springsteen link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfZ4RyReDXI

Murnau link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIrn-BxfAYI

Thanks as always, Wikipedia, for all the info, and to Youtube, where we so often find pertinent and wonderful clips! Verily, admits this antique seller of olde tyme curiosities, this series of tubes, this interwebs, is a most remarkable invention! :)

A very nice, unposted card, with some rounding of the corners. 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!

9.00 USD

Great Reutlinger image of one of our favorite Belle Époque dancers, Mlle. Lucy Gerard. This image has received a classic Art Nouveau treatment in which Mlle. Gerard was separated from the background by white space and decorative designs were added, including a diagonal ribbon and a turned up corner. Lots of fun, and very typical of the Belle Époque era.

Leopold Reutlinger was a prolific photographer with a wide range of subjects who was very respected in the field of photography. His images included artistic sets and costumes, as seen here, portraits of theatrical performers and the cream of society, and advertising shots. By the time this image was taken, circa 1900 and definitely before 1904 when divided backs came into use, Leopold Reutlinger had been the proprietor of Reutlinger Studio for about ten years; the studio itself, however, had been in existence far longer, having been founded by Leopold's uncle, Charles Reutlinger and passed through Emile Reutlinger, Charles' brother and Leopold's father, before coming to Leopold.

*******

This is a sweet unposted card with minor wear to edges and corners. There is a noticable crease in the bottom 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, 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!

14.00 USD

Great image of Mlle. Mimi Fritz, who, according to another listing of one of her images online, was a mistress of King Constantine I of Greece. He had a reputation for a wandering eye, true enough, and certainly, a number of Parisian artistes made the occasional royal conquest, but we have not been able to find any account of that relationship anywhere else, so If anyone has a link or two to help us out, we'd certainly appreciate it!

La Zinkarella? Probably from the Italian Zingara (Gypsy woman), and so the diminutive, Zingarella, would be Gypsy girl. The text on these old cards is notorious for frequent alternative phonetic spellings, and we just have to roll with it :)

In any case, a wonderful Gypsy dancer image by Louis Martin of Paris. Monsieur Martin is one of our favorite celebrity photographers.
Unlike Leopold Reutlinger, he was not often very playful with his images, and the cards were not often hand-colored either. He seems to have produced what were pretty much straight forward portraits of theater people, who were then identified by name and act in white text (just as we have here). So no frills, but very professionally accomplished portraits of often lesser known acts, which is just a lot of fun.
Doing what we do, we mostly encounter images of the top hundred, or so, stage personalities of the time, and we love it, but when Monsieur Martin throws us a curve ball, it's always a pleasure.

His studio was located at 52 Rue de Faubourg Saint-Martin, in Paris, which is a 10 minute walk from that famous red windmill, the Moulin Rouge, and about a 15 minute walk from the Folies Bergere, so he was certainly in a prime location at that time, for making portrait appointments with stage performers. Nowadays, according to hotel reviews, this is a culturally diverse neighborhood with lots of yummy ethnic restaurants and clubs. Wanna go? :)

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

A superb image, by Leopold Reutlinger of Paris, of an unidentified artiste in costume greque. Brilliant coloration. This young woman is very familiar, but escapes identification, darn it!
In addition to the whole Greek goddess look, she offers us a kind of "pre-flapper" look as well. Even in the early 1910s women began cutting their hair shorter. Wigs designed in the shape of buns gained popularity among young women who, wearing them, could maintain the more traditional look and style of the decade, while cutting their hair short and embracing the future!

On the reverse side of the card, you can find the words, "Papier Radium Brom," which translates as Radium Bromide Paper.

The photo-card process at the time of this card's printing, made use of light sensitive metallic salts that, held suspended in a gelatinous layer on the surface of the photo print card stock, reacted to light shown through a negative plate, thereby producing a photographic print. By far, the most commonly used metallic salt was (still is, we believe) bromide of silver.

Less commonly used, radium bromide is a byproduct of the separation of radium from uranium ore. Yes, it is technically radioactive, but fear not, this card does not glow in the dark :) Nor does it cause a geiger counter to produce all sorts of exciting clicky noises. (we actually borrowed one from a friend, to test the first several cards of this type we acquired :)

Photo print paper that was treated with radium bromide though, does seem to cause the color tinting on these cards to "pop" in its own particular, and lovely, way.

This card was produced in Berlin, by Photochemie, but probably for sale in France. This was common during that golden era of the picture postcard, when Germany was really the technological, and therefore production, center of the industry up until the First World War in 1914.

Such wonderful 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!

28.00 USD

Great risque image by Jean Agelou. Circa 1910s

Jean Agelou is practically notorious for his risque and erotic postcard images of the early 1900s. Born in Alexandria Egypt to French parents in 1878, he was active as a photographer in France from at least the early 1900s.

He and his brother George produced "legitimate" work as well, and though we've read in a few places that George was not himself the photographer, but only handled the business end of their partnership, we've come across plenty of cards with the identifying logo "G A Paris" (G for George rather than J for Jean) and also a few marked Cliché George Agelou which might suggest that George took a more active role in the actual photography than is sometimes supposed, even perhaps striking out on his own for a time.

Jean Agelou and his brother George both died in an automobile accident in 1921.
A great card. Minor wear to edges and corners.
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

One of our favorite, and most magical, subgenres of "Lovely Lady" postcards has to be that of the marvelous maenad. These are somewhat idealized, and presumably toned down, versions of those wild maidens of ancient Greece, who in their worship of Dionysus, the god of wine and sensual abandon, got up to all kinds of mischief. The maenad, as an image, was practically the poster girl of La Belle Epoque, expressing that rich, earthy, "joie de vivre," which has come to be seen as so representative of the era. When listing maenads, we're not all that particular about whether the model is depicted as a woodland sprite, a pagan priestess, or if they're just a couple of Belle Epoque chorus girls unwinding after a tough dress rehearsal. If they're wearing grapes, grapevines, animal skins, or any of the other accoutrements no self respecting maenad could do without, for us, they fit the bill. Welcome to the Bacchanal!!! :)

Great Art Nouveau image of stage performer Myriel in classical attire with cymbals. Produced by Leopold Reutlinger of Paris, circa 1905, this card was one of a series representing celebrants of the Bacchanal! This same card, rather than bearing the title Myriel, was often titled Bacchante Aux Cymbales! There was another cymbal image in the series as well, with the model in a different pose. Also one of Myriel upending a ceramic jug with pour spout, presumably filled with wine, titled Bacchante Buvant, which simply means "drinking," and yet another titled Bacchante Au Thyrse, in which she holds up with reverence the "Thyrse," which beyond its modern botanical meaning, was a staff topped with a pine cone, often decorated with ivy, and carried by Bacchus (Ivy incidentally, was according to the late English poet and historian Robert Graves, one of the key ingredients used by them in brews to drive them to a frenzy. Let's definitely NOT try this at home ;).

Series of postcards were often produced in groups of six, and if that was the case here, there are still two cards in this series we've yet to see, but should you be interested in completing the set, this one would make a fine beginning!

Lovely unposted 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, 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!