18.00 USD

Vilma Banky, born 1901, was a Hungarian born, silent film actress. This card was produced circa 1927, just a couple of years following her "discovery" by Samuel Goldwyn in 1925. He offered her a Hollywood contract, (she'd been making films in Hungary and Germany up until then,) and defying her parents and her fiancee, she ran off to America, where she became a true Hollywood star of the silent film era. One of her best known films was "Son of the Sheik," starring opposite none other than Rudolph Valentino, and from which this image was taken!

Below is a Youtube link to that full length classic! ***Please Note*** There are some elements in this almost 90 year old film that might be deeply offensive to some viewers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eruhkz7DTTY

A gorgeous image 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 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!

14.00 USD

As far as we can tell, Miss Olive Haygate was an English actress whose home, in the late 1890s, was London. Nevertheless, we don't run across images of her by British photographers, so perhaps she went to France before becoming famous. We should mention that during this time, it was not unheard of for British theatrical producers to own French theaters and music halls, and also to stock those theaters with British acts.

As to how well known she was in late 1890s London, we did come across a very interesting bit of history concerning her in 1897, at the Adelphi Theater. At this time, Miss Haygate was an under-study for a Miss Millward, which does suggest it was early in her career.

As the story goes, Miss Haygate met with a Frederic Lane (also an understudy, to then well known actor William Terriss), before rehearsal for a production. Lane told her, in a joking way, that he was certain to take over Terriss' role, as he had dreamt the night before of Terriss lying prostrate on a stair landing in the theater, with a group of actors and others surrounding him as if he was in a terrible state. Miss Haygate laughed with Lane at the silly superstitiousness of the idea, as did others to whom Lane recounted his dream, but as it turned out, the actor Terriss was stabbed to death that very night, and on that very stair landing! The murderer was another actor, named Archer, who apparently bore Terriss a long standing grudge, and was later judged to have been insane at the time the crime was committed.

However reliable or otherwise this account may be, we got it from a Google abstract of volume 14 of proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research. Included are letters of testimony from Miss Haygate and others. Below is the link to the abstract, if you'd like to read Haygate's letter in detail:

http://books.google.com/books?id=X1HYAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA310&lpg=PA310&dq=olive+haygate&source=bl&ots=MmdAjuEfv-&sig=vFIdNzQ9Khic_CE5mf3ICnhfYPs&hl=en&sa=X&ei=mo0fU4OKDO_iyAGh44CgDQ&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=olive%20haygate&f=false

Great image of the lovely Miss Haygate in almost pristine 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!

14.00 USD

According to the memoirs of Fitroy Gardiner, old vaudevillian and friend of Spanish dancer and pantomimist Rosario Guerrero, she "started her stage career in a rough cabaret in Seville when she was selling oranges on the marketplace."
Soon though, because of her great beauty and skill, she became the toast of all Europe, rivaling even La Belle Otero in popularity.
She didn't believe in real estate investments, or keeping her money in banks, but felt it was most secure when worn on her person, in the form of precious stones and metals, so that she sometimes wore jewelry worth, (in about 1905), approximately 100,000 dollars, or, give or take, two and a half million dollars today.
She wasn't always liquid, though. Precious gems or not, Flo Ziegfeld of "follies" fame, once had sherif'f''s deputies seize trunks full of her costumes and jewelry in lieu of drafts drawn on Paris banks which apparently mimicked rubber in their bounciness!

A fine portrait by photographer Gerschel of Paris. We're always very pleased when we can offer a card like this one, in almost pristine 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!

14.00 USD

Well gosh, we hope that with a few kind words and deeds all will be mended! The German text translates as "In a State of War," though to us, it seems at least like a ceasefire.
It looks as if this card was posted via "Feldpost" in 1915, though it is difficult to make out anything definite. The writing on the back of the card, rather than in ink, was perhaps in colored pencil, is a bit wavery and hard to make out.

Feldpost was (still is, as far as we know) the German military postal service. It was begun in Prussia in the 1700s (during the Seven Years War). Thanks Wikipedia!
The orange stamp on the back of the card is not one we've been able to locate online, and so seems to be an uncommon one.

A very nice card, circa 1910s.
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

Mine!!!
Great Art Deco background on this hot pink image of an extremely cute flapper! One of the wonderful "Diamant G E. F." series. Metallic silvery, or ground glass enhanced, ink contrasting with the pink tones doesn't scan quite as glittery as it shows up in person. G E. F., by the way, is a diamond grading term, standing for, "Grade, Extra Flourescent."
For a look at another one from this series in our shop, just follow the magic link below :)

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/redpoulaine/tools/listings/187631994?ref=vl_edit_item

P-C Paris was one of the most prolific, and loved, of French postcard publishers in the 1920s. We are still hunting down company history, but we can tell you that contrary to popular belief, the P-C in their logo doesn't stand for "post card," or "carte postale." The full company name was "Papeterie de Levallois-Clichy," Clichy being a suburb of Paris. "P-C" also published the "REX" line of postcards. Like many postcard publishers, it probably began as a stationary and printing house that incorporated postcard printing in with its traditional business model when the postcard boom occurred at the turn of the century. P-C Paris was responsible for many of the brightly colored, garish even, tinted postcards that are so dear to our hearts. Lots of romance imagery, lots of tease, and a line of very professionally produced nudes. Catalogs of their work would be a real joy to pour over.
A wonderful card, expressing the irrepressible attitude of the 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!

24.00 USD

It is difficult to find these Imperial Russian cards. La Cavalieri in what feels an almost candid pose. What a hat! :) Lina Cavalieri was adored in Russia. This image was produced in St Petersburg, and may well have been shot in early 1911, when she performed before members of the imperial family and other important dignitaries, at the Winter Palace. Such a charming image.
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!

14.00 USD

When Monsieur Walery of Paris took this photograph, Miss Williams was performing at the Scala, a wonderful old Cafe Concert built in the 1870s to seat 1400 patrons, and with a removable glass dome so that in fine weather, if we could just get our time machine working, we might sit at a small table sipping champagne and enjoying the show beneath a starry Parisian night sky Ahhh.

Love this pose :) 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 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!

44.00 USD

as per convo

59.00 USD

Beautiful card! La Gourmandise, by Raphael Kirchner.

We haven't gained access to any detailed bibliography of Kirchner's cards, but from what we have gathered, this card was produced in 1914, at just about the time Kirchner moved from Paris to the USA where he would spend the last three years of his life. Les Péchés Capitaux, is French for what we call the 7 deadly sins, la Gourmandise, being Gluttony. Pierrot seems mildly critical...and of a single egg! :) Very minor wear to corners, otherwise in extraordinary condition!
Please examine our high res scans carefully for detail.

For more on Kirchner, please read the wonderful summary below, that we found on the website ArtHistory.net. We usually write our own listings, but this is great. Informative, concise, and we certainly couldn't have done it better!



"Introduction to the Artist Raphael Kirchner
By ArtHistory.net



Vienna-born artist Raphael Kirchner was born in 1876. Influenced by Aubrey Beardsley’s Art Nouveau style, Kirchner has often been compared to the artist Alphonse Mucha who also primarily painted women. But while Mucha went on to focus on poster art, Kirchner designed postcards during what has been dubbed “The Golden Age of Postcards.” Women in Kirchner designs were usually garbed scantily (though elegantly) and shown sitting at their vanities or lounging on beds. Some are simply smelling flowers or playing an instrument like a harp.

Not much is known about Kirchner’s private life. While in Vienna, he painted portraits for wealthy Viennese clients. He later moved to Paris (around 1900) where he illustrated for the magazine La Vie Parisienne. This popular French magazine famously featured other well-known artists like Georges Barbier and Georges Leonnec. The magazine became infamous for its risqué, yet tasteful illustrations of women. Kirchner’s illustrations for the magazine led to his career designing more than one thousand illustrated postcards featuring mostly women.

Most of Kirchner’s women are based on his wife Nina who modeled for him. Many of Kirchner’s designs demonstrated a strong Japanese influence as best evidenced by his Geisha series of illustrations. While in Paris Kirchner continued to do portrait work and illustrate for other magazines. Kirchner’s illustrations of Paris life became very popular—especially as he portrayed its sensual side in bars and fashionable bedrooms. His depictions of women, while erotic, are also exquisitely lovely. Like Mucha, Kirchner portrayed women as essentially beautiful—sometimes ethereally so.

Kirchner moved to the United States around 1914. His postcards became particularly sought after during WWI by soldiers on both sides of the war. Art historians credit Kirchner’s postcards as revealing the first pin up girls. Soldiers collected Kirchner’s postcard beauties and hung them in the trenches. Kirchner’s war postcards were less draughtsmanlike than his earlier designs and also more directly sensual. These erotic postcards were soldiers’ favorites and their popularity during these war years influenced the work of later pin up artists. While in New York, Kirchner also worked as a theatre costume designer as well as a portrait artist.

Kirchner died in 1917. His wife and main model Nina attempted suicide after his death. Subsequent accounts of her life suggest she went mad with excessive drug use. Kirchner portrayed his wife so often that it would be impossible to ignore their artist and muse-like relationship. His portrayals of Nina suggest enchantment, beauty, and certainly love. Kirchner’s postcards are among the most highly collectable. His rarest designs are extremely valuable and continue to fetch large sums at auction."

Here is a link to ArtHistory.net:

http://www.arthistory.net/artists/raphaelkirchner/raphaelkirchner1.html

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!

Kirchner,raphael kirchner,risque,nude,WWI,art nouveau,vintage postcard,1910s,pin up

9.00 USD

Superb image. Minor surface wear of the sort one so often sees in oranotypes, but we are only guessing that this is an oranotype. Overall a wonderful card. Magnificent coloring. 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!

24.00 USD

Superb portrait of Geraldine Farrar, internationally acclaimed opera diva and silent movie star, by Gerlach of Berlin. Born in 1882, in Massachusetts, Miss Farrar studied voice in France, and then in 1901 Berlin, enjoyed tremendous acclaim following her debut as Marguerite in Gounod's Faust, One of her fans was the eldest son of the Kaiser, Crown Prince Wilhelm, with whom she was reputed to have had an affair.

In 1907, after returning to America, She performed the role of Cio Cio San in Puccini's Madama Butterfly with the Met. She was to remain a member of that company until her retirement in 1922.

Miss Farrar believed strongly in the idea of incorporating acting into her operatic roles, to the degree that she was known to insert unrehearsed "bits" into performances often surprizing fellow cast members, and not always happily. On one occasion, she caused quite a ruckus during a performance of Carmen, when, in the title role, she got a little carried away and reputedly "bit" famed operatic tenor, Enrico Caruso on the ear! Perhaps he didn't mind that much, though, as they remained friends for many years.

In between opera seasons she appeared in a number of silent films, and was followed about by crowds of enthusiastic young women who earned the name Gerry-flappers!

This card was probably published right around 1906, just before her return to America from Berlin.
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!

11.00 USD

Though posted in 1905, this card was probably produced no later than 1904, and likely closer to 1900. The theatrical production it 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!

33.00 USD

Charming nude featuring an Agelou model in a costume that differs only slightly from one she was wearing in a series attributed to Jean Agelou.

There is a gentle crease/bend along the left edge of the card in the lower left quadrant. Not that easy to see, but if you zoom in you can make it out.

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

What a wonderful sequined costume! Mlle. Val-d'Or appears here on what was probably a publicity RPPC, not a card produced by one of the big publishers, though the work is certainly professional. A card such as this might have been circulated by her manager to booking agents throughout Europe in order to secure her work.

If you examine our close crop of the right side of her torso (from our perspective), you'll notice the careful touch-up work that takes a little off her waistline. The same work is applied to to the left side, and also to the right side of her face to shave a bit of the curve from her cheek.
Size and shape consciousness may have been less intense an issue in the entertainment world of the early 1900s, but it was still very much present, and although we find no history on this particular performer, and she may never have hit the big time, we've run across plenty of images of tremendously famous stars with photo studio-shaved waistlines.

This same touch-up technique was often used to hide the balance braces placed behind dancers in portraits that required difficult poses, since taking photos in those days was a time consuming process and the poses needed to be held for longer than was comfortable for the performers.

A charming image of a lovely gal and overall, a very nice unposted card with only minor wear.

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

“And sure enough, even waiting will end...if you can just wait long enough.”
― William Faulkner

"It was beautiful! A colossal egg! An egg to turn the whole concept of Easter eggs on it head! But we were still concerned, I mean to say, what sort of egg was it really, and once hatched would it be friendly, or just hungry?"
―Anonymous Easter Troll

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

These faux nude risque images were popular with the boys down at the barbershop, sure, but what not many people know was that they were very popular with women of that era too, and for some very serious, political reasons!

What is sometimes referred to simply as "long underwear," the "union suit," that comical outfit we associate with unwashed prospectors in the Yukon, was actually developed with women in mind. It was an undergarment designed to replace the corset, for women who were tired of the constraints placed upon them by a fashion industry that pandered to the tastes of men. It is believed that the union suit (sometimes also called the liberty suit) was so called to create an association between the anti-slavery Union forces during the Civil War, and the Suffragettes fighting not only for the vote, but among other things, the right to choose comfortable, healthy undergarments too! The women's movement of the time felt a strong kinship to the slaves of the pre Civil War period, believing in liberty and equality for all, including women! Though it might seem a small thing now, the union suit was born out of that struggle, and images like this one represented for many women a very positive step in that direction.

Our model is all dressed up for the Easter parade...in her Birthday suit :)

The link below will take you to a Youtube clip of Judy Garland and Fred Astaire singing and dancing to Irving Berlin's Easter Parade!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYac9O3GYTM

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

"Pigeon vole!
Aérogyne Elle ment avec son corps
Mieux que l'esprit n'imagine
Les mensonges
du decor."

Jean Cocteau

Miss Aérogyne, La Femme Volante, or "the Flying Woman"

From her costume, and stage name, you might think Miss Aérogyne was a trapese artist, or even a human cannonball, and at some point in her career, who knows? She may have done those things as well.

But for this act, she was a stage magician, an illusionist, and making use of careful set design, and no doubt some daring acrobatics as well, she would appear to be flying through the air, much to the delight of the audience, one of whom, writer and film director Jean Cocteau, composed a poem about her in the early 1920s.

"Fly pigeon," he writes, and though we won't attempt a poetic translation here, he seems essentially to say that with her body, and with the lie supported by the stage decor, she creates the illusion of flight, better than he can imagine in his own mind.

Apparently he was so enchanted with the produced special effect, that he reproduced it in 1924, in his film "Roméo and Juliette." This, according to a scholarly article by Professor Jennifer Forrest, follow link to read more.

http://newprairiepress.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1544&context=sttcl

Full disclosure: Professor Forrest gives the name of Miss Aérogyne as Marie Fourrier, but also writes that she cannot be certain the "Miss Aérogyne" whose performance Monsieur Cocteau so enjoyed, was necessarily the same one. Apparently she had many imitators.

A very nice circus/vaudeville card. Like many cards of this genre, it was a cheaply produced souvenir, a photolithograph, not a photograph, but captures the era and the feel of the circus ring 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 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!

14.00 USD

Marcelle Lender was dancing professionally by 16, and within a few years her flame-red hair was setting Paris, and then all of Europe, ablaze. She was immortalized by the famous French post impressionist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in a number of his works. We've included an image of one as a thumbnail in our listing images just for fun.

A wonderful portrait of a talented performer who in some ways expressed the heart of the era. 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!

7.00 USD

Wonderful coloration! Love the way the gown is swirled at the base. Tiny scratch between hip and elbow.
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!

17.00 USD

Lovely unidentified image of Signorina Lina Cavalieri. In her time, she was said to be the most beautiful woman in the world. (Confidentially, we're inclined to agree, but would never say so out loud, as our other postcards are always listening...:)

Orphaned at 15, Signorina Cavalieri ran away from the convent orphanage where she was placed by the state, and through great effort, talent and tenacity, became one of the most wealthy and successful opera singers of la Belle Epoque, performing internationally in all the great opera houses of Europe and the Americas.

Below, follow our link to youtube where you can hear la Belle Cavalieri sing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuMfcj02jCk&list=PL2B15325067277A20

Fantastic jewelry! A very nice card. Photo by Reutlinger, published by NPG. 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!