16.00 USD

Another lovely evocative image produced by the Kunzli Brothers' Paris offices in the early 1900s. Carl and Max Kunzli were two brothers in art publishing from the 1870s and were known for high quality chromolithographs.

With the postcard boom, they were prepared to enter that industry as well and soon were so successful that they opened satellite offices in various countries including France, where the printed under the name KF, or Kunzli Freres. There is no photographer attribution on this card.

Very nice posted condition with some gentle softening of the 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 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

Mlle. Vera Nimidoff was a popular opera singer who toured internationally in the early 1900s. She hailed from Odessa (in the Ukraine, not Texas :) In this beautifully hand-tinted image by Leopold Reutlinger of Paris, she carries on her shoulders all the weight of queenly responsibilities. Unfortunately we don't know what opera this image was drawn from.

A wonderful romantic fantasy card, but with a tiny spot of red ink on Mlle's face. The writing on the back was in red ink too. There is also a tiny 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!

36.00 USD

Cleo de Merode with Tambourine by Leopold Reutlinger, circa 1900

Our favorite image of Mlle. de Merode! Her costume captures the era for us, and her pose is so beautifully graceful. Her expression is, as always, priceless.

A gorgeous card. Very minor wear to corners, otherwise in fine 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!

24.00 USD

Do you remember the old Warner Bros. Bugs Bunny cartoons? Do you remember the ubiquitous use of the paper-covered hoop that characters like Porky Pig would pop through to say, "That's all folks!" ? Well, unless you're a good bit older than us, you probably just thought it was a feature of the cartoon, and didn't give it much thought. But back in the early days of the cartoon, when Warner was vying with Disney for predominance in the field, and sound/voice synchronization was a new thing, the biggest slot in the entertainment industry was still vaudeville. So it was only reasonable that Warner Bros. incorporated elements of vaudeville into their cartoons. "On wit da show, dis is it!" :)

As you may have noticed with a number of our cards, the paper-covered hoop was a "schtick" oft' used by some of our favorite performers, way before Bugs and Daffy. Possibly originating out of routines inspired by the games children played with the hoop and stick from way back when, stage performers used the hoop as a prop in all kinds of ways. The paper covered hoop one could pop through, was just one of them, but it would seem it was always a hit.

We have no history on Smeralda and Amélie, but we certainly wish we could take a trip back and take in their show! Notice that there is no publisher logo on this card, and that their names are not even scratched onto the negative. This was a publicity RPPC (Real Photo Post Card) of the sort that was often printed up at the expense of the artistes themselves. Printed in limited runs, the least expensive way of producing such a card was to contract with a local printer for a certain number, foregoing the added, and considerable, expense of having your names printed with the photograph onto the card, and simply rubber-stamping your act's name onto the back (in this case, in the wonderful violet-colored ink so popular at the time).

Such cards would certainly have been posted to theater managers, agents, etc., but we know that in many cases, performers sold postcards of their act (almost like passing the hat) to the audience, and even if the theater took a cut, it was still extra income, and an accepted part of the theatrical experience!

A magnificent historical artifact, tremendous fun, and by its "limited production run" nature, a rare postcard, since we have no way of knowing how many of these even remain in existence.
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!

24.00 USD

We tend to specialize in photo postcard portraits of Belle Epoque era theatrical performers, but within that broad category, one of the most sought after types is that one depicting the performers in action. Here we have one that creates the feeling of the vaudeville, or variety show, performance, in which the two artistes clown around while performing a handstand, or a series of cartwheels :)

We have no history on these two cuties, in fact we're not 100% certain we have the spelling of their names right. This card was posted to the Count B. Tyszkiewicz in 1907 Paris, a Polish/Lithuanian nobleman from what was once one of the most powerful families in Europe, and who apparently was a collector of antiques, and yep, the same sort of postcards you collect!

We buy many of our cards from European collectors and dealers, and have been finding many cards from "the count's" collection lately. We'll guess they've surfaced due to a recent estate auction of one of his descendants.

Because of the implied action, and comedy, in this image, we'll file it in our "Under the Big Top" heading.

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

Gorgeous image of Marietta Ricotti, belle epoque actress. in "costume de Bakot" (Bakot is a location in what is now Pakistan, at the base of the Himalayas--basically, we take this to mean that she is in maharaja-like costume). Wonderful turban!

"Le Soupçon," is pronounced kind of like soup-soh, which in this context might mean "the "suspicion," or like a little "hint" of something, as in " I have a soupçon this postcard seller might be about to tell us a story." The production, "Le Soupçon," was a pantomime entertainment (pantomimes were extremely popular in that period) choreographed by Georges Wague, with music by Albert Chantrier.

One interesting thing about this card beyond the image itself is that the photographer, Stanislaus Julian Walery, is, as we can tell by the text on the reverse, acting as his own publisher. We haven't run across that before. We're dating this card a little later than many of our Walery music hall/cafe-concert images, in part because Walery appears to have published it which just feels to us like something that came later, but also because most of the references to Wague and Chantrier productions we've run across are placed in the early 1910s.
Mlle Ricotti had gorgeous, waist-length hair that is not shown to its best advantage in this image.

Wonderful card, and not one we've come across before. 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!

24.00 USD

Born Margaret Morgan, in New York, circa 1885, Margaret Fehim Pasha, by the age of 22, had attained what was perhaps the secret dream of many a young girl of that era, and was traveling the world as a circus bareback rider.

As the story appeared in the Pittsburgh Press, in May of 1906, Miss Morgan had, only two months before, been traveling with the circus ( like a proper young lady, accompanied by her parents) in the vicinity of Constantinople (what is today Istanbul).

A royal personage, a pasha, in elegant costume, and with an impressive entourage, reserved a special box from which he could enjoy her performance night after night. Eventually, he made advances to her by messenger which she refused. Then, he approached her parents with a proposal of marriage (all very proper).

Apparently believing his declarations of love to be sincere, she accepted, and in early 1906, amidst due pomp and ceremony, and by the rites of Islam, the two were married in his fabulous palace.

Whirlwind romance? Oh, yes indeed. But there were a few lumps congealing in the pudding of ecstasy. In the first place, Miss Morgan may have been unaware that Fehim Pasha, a close relative and trusted adviser to Abdul, sultan of all the Turkoman Empire, was also the dreaded chief of the secret police to whom countless tortures, murders, rapes and robberies had been attributed.

Secondly, he had apparently introduced himself as a bachelor, when in fact he was already married...to two wives!

So, despite the fact that, according to the article, Margaret Fehim Pasha was surrounded by every luxury, with 200 slaves who fed her delicacies, perfumed her, bathed her, dressed her, etc., all was not bliss.

And, apparently it was not long after their marriage that the Sultan became aware of the fact that the Princess Fehim Pasha was not of the faith! He considered the marriage an offence to Islam, a scandal, and insisted his nephew give up his new wife.

Shortly thereafter, while Fehim Pasha sat by, idly smoking a cigarette, Miss Margaret was arrested and thrown into prison, where she langushed for a couple of days before being tossed across the border into Bulgaria, completely destitute, and had to beg rides for 400 miles before reuniting with Mom and Dad.

If this story sounds like the basis for the plots of about a hundred silent films of the period, well...it probably was! And how did the story end for our unhappy couple?

Margaret Fehim Pasha (spelled Margarethe Fehim Pascha on this German card) received a settlement of 5000 dollars from her ex-husband, resumed her act in the circus at an increase in salary of 500 percent, and was internationally famous overnight.

It was only a few years later, that as a result of the constant scandals reflecting on the sultan's court, caused by Fehim Pasha's undisguised corruption, crimes and acts of cruelty, that he was banished from Constantinople to a distant protectorate, and when he continued with the same behavior he'd engaged in while under his uncle's protection, he went too far one day, and was beaten to death by an enraged mob.

So, although her experience was undoubtedly terrifying and humiliating for the adventurous young lady, she was very fortunate that the marriage ended when it did, and without her coming to any serious harm.

We're presently hunting for further information on the life of this circus performer. At the time this photo was taken, WWI was already looming on the horizon, and that great conflagration was so destructive to so many lives that people in the headlines shortly before it broke out, were often untraceable by its end.

A beautiful portrait, with just the right amount of silvering to lend it a little magic, and recalling a very colorful footnote in circus history! 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

Lot of 2, Setting the Date, Couples Romance circa Late 1920s

*There is a gentle crease along the lower right hand edge of the first card in this lot of 2.*

We hope you find this small lot as much fun as we do. These two cards are from the same original series. The first card was published by one of our favorite Parisian publishers, Alfred Noyer, while the second card bears the logo of EKC. Though Kodak produced a photo print paper under an "EKC" logo starting in around 1939, we doubt it had anything to do with this late 1920s French card, but EKC is not a publisher we have any history on. We wonder if it might have been a subsidiary of Monsieur Noyer's.

We always love finding comparisons between colored and uncolored versions of a card, or failing that, two cards from the same series. Let's us feel like we're given special permission to watch over the colorist's shoulder :)

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

We love this dancer! She almost always looks as if she's wandering around in a permanent state of bliss :) One out of a great series by Gerlach of Berlin, probably circa 1907. If so, this would have been published a year or so before her American tour. The Pittsburgh Index describes her as "sylph-like." (love that :) Apparently she debuted at the Grand Theater in Pittsburgh PA in 1908, billed as De Dio the Fire Dancer! Wish we'd been there!

Lovely card in lovely 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

Gorgeous Belle Epoque/Jugendstil chromolitho postcard, beautifully embossed. Wonderful fantasy image. Card definitely shows a bit of wear and a little foxing, but captures the era so beautifully!

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!

18.00 USD

Beautiful hand-tinting on this card by Parisian photographer Camus. We have asked ourselves what clown character had their hair done in a pointy tuft, and found no answers in our research, but thinking about the way so many clowns classically wore a pointy hat, realized that if one wears a pointed hat, and upon removing it uncovers a dramatic tuft of pointed hair....well....that is just funny, after all :)
Wonderful card in very nice condition. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

Here at Red Poulaine, we have a special place in our hearts for the Italian actress images of the early 1900s and into the 1920s. The quality of the portrait photography and subsequent postcard publication was particularly rich, with a flair for the dramatic and mysterious. Many of our favorites, like Anna Fougez and Nella Regini, began their careers as sciantose, a variation on the French term chanteuse, meaning female singer, but bringing to it other meanings, and implying a dark, mysterious, exotic quality that appealed to the theater going public at the time, and certainly appeals to us :) Naturally we love all of our images or we probably wouldn't purchase them for our shop, and feel an almost filial affection for the performers onto whom we project imagined personalities and traits (is that weird? :), but there is something about what seems to have been at the time a very Italian penchant for carrying the illusion of the stage and screen out into the public venue, a tendency to make even larger, the already "larger than life" persona of the theatrical personality, that we really love. So we have decided to open a new section devoted exclusively to these Italian artistes. We call it "La Bella Donna," and yes it is a bit of a play on words, given the tendency in many of these cards to focus on qualities of a "femme Fatale" type. We hope you will enjoy these images as much as we do.

In the late 1910s and 20s, Andreina Rossi performed on both the stage and screen. We have come across many wonderful images of her, but not a lot of history. Magnificent image by Vettori of Bologna, circa 1920s.
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!

6.00 USD

This image by the gifted theatrical portraitist, Henri Manuel of Paris was originally titled "Les Lumières," and shows a young woman in classical Art Nouveau dress holding a lantern just above her shoulder.

A sweet card, with minor wear to edges and corners. A small stain on the image crosses the woman's upraised arm, and there is a handwritten message across the top border.
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

‎Così appassionato! :)

Tito Corbella (1885-1966) has to be one of our favorite Italian illustrators of glamor and couples romance postcards. One reason for this, is that he designed a large number of cards after famous Italian silent screen actresses, like Pina Menichelli, Francesca Bertini and Lyda Borelli, and if you visit our shop often, you know how fond we are of these ladies.

According to the folks at European Filmstar Postcards, he often used his wife as a model. For more history on this wonderful artist and several fine examples of his work, follow the link below to their website. It is a site we visit often when researching our cards.

http://filmstarpostcards.blogspot.com/2013/07/painted-by-tito-corbella.html

Note the lovely decoration on the back of 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!

33.00 USD

As per convo. J. Mandel, Honeymoon Jitters.

16.00 USD

Au Bord du Puits, or At the Well, a truly lovely image of a young woman drawing water. This is an unidentified photogravure of actress Lilian Greuze by Reutlinger of Paris, and one of five cards, out of a series of probably six, that we recently acquired for the shop.

After initially listing this card, we were contacted by one of our wonderful customers with the information that the model in this image is none other than Mlle. Lilian (also Lillian) Greuze, French stage actress, model, and later, film actress. We have no bio on her unfortunately, but we know she was associated with both Sarah (la Divine) Bernhardt, and Polaire, appeared in several silent films, and went on to appear in the talkies as well, into the 1930s!

The "woman at the well" as a theme, can easily be counted as its own sub-genre of picture postcards. Though perhaps not as collectible today as Pierrot, or paper moon images, at the time this card was printed, the "woman at the well" was a theme that resonated deeply.

Though technology and industry were moving forward with lightning speed by the year 1900, it was more part and parcel of the urban experience. Village life was still, in many places, not terribly different for the average villager than it had been a hundred years before.

Indoor plumbing was not the norm (actually, even in the 1970s, in the USA, though the "village well" may have been a forgotten fixture of the past, indoor plumbing was still a stranger to many rural American households) and the village, or shared, well in turn of the century France was, as it had always been, an important gathering place, a hub of village life.

In addition to those ancient mythical concepts of the well as a source of life, of wisdom, and so on, there is also a common association of the water jug, urn or vase, with womanhood, motherhood, and fertility. Add to that the fact that the well was often that place in the village where a young man or woman might first have begun a shy courtship with their future mate, and it is no wonder this theme was so very popular.
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!

Reutlinger,vintage postcard,french postcard,photogravure,art print,belle epoque,1900s,well,fertility,woman,village life,au bord du puits

16.00 USD

Au Bord du Puits, or At the Well, a truly lovely image of a young woman drawing water. This is an unidentified photogravure of actress Lilian Greuze by Reutlinger of Paris, and one of five cards, out of a series of probably six, that we recently acquired for the shop.

After initially listing this card, we were contacted by one of our wonderful customers with the information that the model in this image is none other than Mlle. Lilian (also Lillian) Greuze, French stage actress, model, and later, film actress. We have no bio on her unfortunately, but we know she was associated with both Sarah (la Divine) Bernhardt, and Polaire, appeared in several silent films, and went on to appear in the talkies as well, into the 1930s!

The "woman at the well" as a theme, can easily be counted as its own sub-genre of picture postcards. Though perhaps not as collectible today as Pierrot, or paper moon images, at the time this card was printed, the "woman at the well" was a theme that resonated deeply.

Though technology and industry were moving forward with lightning speed by the year 1900, it was more part and parcel of the urban experience. Village life was still, in many places, not terribly different for the average villager than it had been a hundred years before.

Indoor plumbing was not the norm (actually, even in the 1970s, in the USA, though the "village well" may have been a forgotten fixture of the past, indoor plumbing was still a stranger to many rural American households) and the village, or shared, well in turn of the century France was, as it had always been, an important gathering place, a hub of village life.

In addition to those ancient mythical concepts of the well as a source of life, of wisdom, and so on, there is also a common association of the water jug, urn or vase, with womanhood, motherhood, and fertility. Add to that the fact that the well was often that place in the village where a young man or woman might first have begun a shy courtship with their future mate, and it is no wonder this theme was so very popular.
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

Au Bord du Puits, or At the Well, a truly lovely image of a young woman drawing water. This is an unidentified photogravure of actress Lilian Greuze by Reutlinger of Paris, and one of five cards, out of a series of probably six, that we recently acquired for the shop.

After initially listing this card, we were contacted by one of our wonderful customers with the information that the model in this image is none other than Mlle. Lilian (also Lillian) Greuze, French stage actress, model, and later, film actress. We have no bio on her unfortunately, but we know she was associated with both Sarah (la Divine) Bernhardt, and Polaire, appeared in several silent films, and went on to appear in the talkies as well, into the 1930s!

The "woman at the well" as a theme, can easily be counted as its own sub-genre of picture postcards. Though perhaps not as collectible today as Pierrot, or paper moon images, at the time this card was printed, the "woman at the well" was a theme that resonated deeply.

Though technology and industry were moving forward with lightning speed by the year 1900, it was more part and parcel of the urban experience. Village life was still, in many places, not terribly different for the average villager than it had been a hundred years before.

Indoor plumbing was not the norm (actually, even in the 1970s, in the USA, though the "village well" may have been a forgotten fixture of the past, indoor plumbing was still a stranger to many rural American households) and the village, or shared, well in turn of the century France was, as it had always been, an important gathering place, a hub of village life.

In addition to those ancient mythical concepts of the well as a source of life, of wisdom, and so on, there is also a common association of the water jug, urn or vase, with womanhood, motherhood, and fertility. Add to that the fact that the well was often that place in the village where a young man or woman might first have begun a shy courtship with their future mate, and it is no wonder this theme was so very popular.
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!

Reutlinger,vintage postcard,french postcard,photogravure,art print,belle epoque,1900s,well,fertility,woman,village life,au bord du puits

16.00 USD

Au Bord du Puits, or At the Well, a truly lovely image of a young woman drawing water. This is an unidentified photogravure of actress Lilian Greuze by Reutlinger of Paris, and one of five cards out of a series of probably six, that we recently acquired for the shop.

After initially listing this card, we were contacted by one of our wonderful customers with the information that the model in this image is none other than Mlle. Lilian (also Lillian) Greuze, French stage actress, model, and later, film actress. We have no bio on her unfortunately, but we know she was associated with both Sarah (la Divine) Bernhardt, and Polaire, appeared in several silent films, and went on to appear in the talkies as well, into the 1930s!

The "woman at the well" as a theme, can easily be counted as its own sub-genre of picture postcards. Though perhaps not as collectible today as Pierrot or paper moon images, at the time this card was printed the "woman at the well" was a theme that resonated deeply.

Though technology and industry were moving forward with lightning speed by the year 1900, it was more part and parcel of the urban experience. Village life was still, in many places, not terribly different for the average villager than it had been a hundred years before.

Indoor plumbing was not the norm (actually even in the 1970s, in the USA, though the "village well" may have been a forgotten fixture of the past, indoor plumbing was still a stranger to many rural American households) and the village, or shared, well in turn of the century France was, as it had always been, an important gathering place, a hub of village life.

In addition to those ancient mythical concepts of the well as a source of life, of wisdom, and so on, there is also a common association of the water jug, urn or vase, with womanhood, motherhood, and fertility. Add to that the fact that the well was often that place in the village where a young man or woman might first have begun a shy courtship with their future mate, and it is no wonder this theme was so very popular.
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

Leopold Reutlinger, the Belle Epoque photographer, took thousands of photographs of famous Parisian actresses. These were published in cartes de visite or cabinet card formats, later as postcards, cropped to close up and republished, hand tinted, glittered, sequined, published again, and when every imaginable possibility had been explored, he superimposed these images onto wonderfully fantastic, often surreal backgrounds. The "Artiste with Bird" series is one of our favorites, quite collectible, and we've seen a fair number of them pass through our shop, though not usually in condition this fine.

One of the issues with Reutlinger's "fantaisies," is that although the artiste's name was usually printed on the face of the card in its early incarnations, by the time they evolved into these dramatically imaginative versions, the artiste's name would often be left off the card. This was fine at the time, since their faces were very well known, just as we sometimes see 1970s era posters of unidentified movie stars, like Paul Newman and Robert Redford dressed up as cowboys.

But, of course, their having left off the names on some of these old postcards gives us the opportunity to play the "Name That Face" game, one of our favorite pastimes :).

The beautiful actress in this image is Marguerite Brésil. Born in 1880, she made her first appearance on the stage of the Théatre Gymnase in Paris, in 1899, and within a few years was a tremendously successful star.
This card was published by NPG (Neue Photographische Gesellschaft) of Berlin, and utilized the extremely effective Oranotype method for photo reproduction. Very nice condition on this one, dated on the back 1906.
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!