14.00 USD

Manon Loti, demimondaine, one of the most beautiful artistes of la Belle Epoque, by Leopold Reutlinger. A really fine, unposted card in a classic Reutlinger presentation style of the pre-divided back, leaving lots of room on the front of the card for a message, at the time when only the address was allowed on the back side.

Very little history for Mlle. Loti, and mostly by association. One in particular is interesting. She had a short but passionate affair with the dashing and fabulously wealthy Russian nobleman Nikolay Felixovich Yusupov. At the age of 25, he and his younger brother, who would become Prince Felix Yusupov II, were amusing themselves in Paris. According to Prince Felix's memoirs, the two lovers were inseparable. He described Manon Loti as beautiful, a famous courtesan who lived in great luxury in a fine house, with carriages, jewelry, etc., and according to Prince Felix, she even employed a "dwarf" as her mascot. The use of animals like cheetahs, defanged poisonous snakes, and yes, occasionally even human beings, as props to raise eyebrows, was not uncommon among our theatrical celebrities, many of whom came from very humble backgrounds, and imaginatively affected the lifestyle of debauched empresses. We have no remembrances of her affair with Yusupov passed down to us by Nikolay himself, who not long afterwards, back in Russia, was killed in a duel over a different woman. Again, this is interesting by association, rather than directly, Nothing to do with Mlle. Loti, really, but it is through our research on her that we meet her lover Nikolay, and his brother Prince Felix, frequenter of opium dens, and who would become one of the murderers of Rasputin! How often our belle artistes may be but a single thread in a great tapestry, but following that thread, we are inexorably drawn into the warp and weft of the entire piece.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

36.00 USD

One of two wonderful "lesbian lovers" images produced by Jacques Biederer that we just got into the shop. Lots of fun! This was racy stuff in the 20s and 30s! Please note the cigarette holder and the kitty doing its best to upstage the two women :)

Ostra Studio was operated by two brothers, Jacques and Charles Biederer. Jacques Biederer emigrated to Paris in the 1890s from what was then the Kingdom of Bohemia (later Czechoslovakia).

He opened his photo studio in around 1908, and in 1913 his brother Charles joined him.

The history on them is a bit murky, but they are today (Jacques in particular) probably the best known Parisian producers of fetish photos during the 1920s and 30s. Pretty wild stuff at the time with rubber corsets, masters/slaves, etc., and lots of spanking, but most of the images we've seen seemed to be intent on maintaining a sense of humor as well.

The two brothers were Jewish, and in the 1940s following the fall of Paris to the Nazis, they were arrested and deported to Auschwitz in Poland. Neither of them survived the Holocaust.

Biederer and Ostra Studio cards are much sought after, and though many of their more outré (always wanted to be able to use that word in a sentence :) images are a little out of our line, we do love our risque flappers, and are very pleased to have found this one!

Great risque, semi nude, card in very nice condition. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

36.00 USD

One of two wonderful "lesbian lovers" images produced by Jacques Biederer that we just got into the shop. Lots of fun! This was racy stuff in the 20s and 30s! Please note the cigarette holder and the kitty doing its best to upstage the two women :)

Ostra Studio was operated by two brothers, Jacques and Charles Biederer. Jacques Biederer emigrated to Paris in the 1890s from what was then the Kingdom of Bohemia (later Czechoslovakia).

He opened his photo studio in around 1908, and in 1913 his brother Charles joined him.

The history on them is a bit murky, but they are today (Jacques in particular) probably the best known Parisian producers of fetish photos during the 1920s and 30s. Pretty wild stuff at the time with rubber corsets, masters/slaves, etc., and lots of spanking, but most of the images we've seen seemed to be intent on maintaining a sense of humor as well.

The two brothers were Jewish, and in the 1940s following the fall of Paris to the Nazis, they were arrested and deported to Auschwitz in Poland. Neither of them survived the Holocaust.

Biederer and
Ostra Studio cards are much sought after, and though many of their more outré (always wanted to be able to use that word in a sentence :) images are a little out of our line, we do love our risque flappers, and are very pleased to have found this one!

Great risque, semi nude, card in very nice condition. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

16.00 USD

Very nice uncommon card published by AE, Axel Eliasson Art Publishers of Stockholm and Berlin. Seems to have been posted in 1908.

Unidentified dancer is attired in the "costume orientale" so popular in the period. No photographer attribution either, though apparently Eliasson himself was responsible for some of the photography used for his postcards.
AE published the majority of postcards coming out of Sweden at that time, but there is not a lot of information on them, and we don't know how influential on the German card industry their Berlin office was.
In the early 1910s, Eliasson was also among the early founders of the Children's Day movement, and according to a couple of sources AE Art Publishers moved in the direction of children's book publishing.

A lovely card! Our scans show a visible indentation in upper right quadrant caused by postmark frank on back of 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!

11.00 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!

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 (She of the "wasp waist"). Mlle. Greuze appeared in several silent films in the 1910s and 20s, and went on to appear in the talkies too, well into the 1930s!

The "woman at the well" as an image 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, evidence of this growth 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 yet the norm (actually, even in the USA of the 1970s, though by then 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 well, or shared well, in turn of the century France, was still as it had always been, an important gathering place, and a central hub of village life.

In addition to ancient mythical concepts of the well as a source of life, of wisdom, and so forth, there is also the earthy association of the water jug, urn or vase, with womanhood, motherhood, and fertility. If we add to these ideas the fact that the well was often a place in the village where a young man or woman might first have begun a shy courtship with their future mate, it is no wonder that 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!

22.00 USD

Great German boudoir image from the early 1900s. Though this card was published by S. Blueh of Vienna, after it had merged with Rotophot, one of the biggest German printer-publishers of the period, we love its "RPPC" (Real Photo Postcard) qualities. The studio set is dressed beautifully and realistically. Pots of paint and powder, wash basin and wonderful lingerie, wonderful model. Great card with 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 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

Who is "La Belle Waléry?" 'tis a mystery! We've seen other images of this beautiful stage performer, but can't find out anything about her. She certainly has the appearance of a Spanish dancer, but who knows! Of course, the name throws us. Was she related to the famous photographer Stanisław Julian Ignacy, Count Ostroróg (1863-1935) who used the name Waléry as a pseudonym (among others) in his work, just as his father did before him? If you have any history on her, please share!

In any case, a lovely card, circa 1900 Paris. Very nice unposted condition. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

16.00 USD

Who is "La Belle Waléry?" 'tis a mystery! We've seen other images of this beautiful stage performer, but can't find out anything about her. She certainly has the appearance of a Spanish dancer, but who knows! Of course, the name throws us. Was she related to the famous photographer Stanisław Julian Ignacy, Count Ostroróg (1863-1935) who used the name Waléry as a pseudonym (among others) in his work, just as his father did before him? If you have any history on her, please share!

In any case, a lovely card, circa 1900 Paris. Very nice unposted condition. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

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!

14.00 USD

Lovely glittery stuff :)
No history on this actress. These G.B. Falci cards have such an ethereal feeling to them.
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

Gaby Guy appeared in a number of lovely Italian postcards of the 1910s. No history on her that we've found yet.
"Dubbio" Doubt. She's having second thoughts about her glittery harem costume? We don't! Wonderful stuff :)
These G.B. Falci cards, like so many Italian photo image postcards of the period, have such an ethereal feel to them. We just love them. This one has a small crease in a 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!

19.00 USD

"Il tuo abbandono non me da pena." As far as we can figure it, this translates as, "When you left me, it didn't bother me at all." Oh, Burn! Nice one, Elettra :)

Our fourth listing image, Not For Sale, but included for your pleasure, is an image of a painting by Tito Corbella of Signorina Raggio from the 1919 film "La Valanga." Wow! Vive la Expressionisme!

Elettra Raggio was one of the pioneers of early motion pictures. She wasn't in it from the "very" beginning, but she was an actress, scriptwriter, director and producer from the mid 1910s into the mid 1920s.
It is probably the most exciting thing about the history of film for us, its lack of defined borders and amazing freedom of expression in those early days. It was a field in which because of the nature of silent film, there were very few closed doors in terms of nationality, race or gender. Women, people of color, gays and lesbians, all took part in this new art form! A group of actors who separately spoke only Japanese, only English, only Swedish, etc., might all appear together in a film directed by a German speaking female director who was perhaps also a Jew, and create cinema magic. Sound a bit far fetched? Perhaps, but very true. No, it isn't as if the 1910s were particularly open minded, but when new art forms and new technology bypassed old guild systems that had historically been closed to certain groups of people, these wonderful things occurred which bringing in fresh perspectives also pushed the art forward by leagues.

These G.B. Falci cards, like so many Italian photo image postcards of the period, have such an ethereal feel to them. We just love them. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase, unless otherwise noted, is 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

"Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome..."

We recently came across a number of great vintage German musical theater postcards and thought we'd put them in what will probably be a temporary section under the heading "Cabaret," or, auf Deutch, Kabarett! Most of the cards in this section will concern theatrical entertainment in the 1920s Weimar era of post world war one Germany, though we may place a number of Austrian cards of the period and a few film star cards from that time and place into this section as well.

The Weimar era, particularly in Berlin, fascinates us at least in part because of its dramatic contrasts, the tinsel glitter that could not entirely disguise an ever deepening gloom, the festive mood that seemed to so many who witnessed it as if driven by misery rather than a celebration of life as had seemed the Parisian nightlife of the previous decade. In hindsight, some compared the cabaret life of Weimar Berlin to dancing at the edge of a sheer cliff, and perhaps a little of that frenzied energy clings to these images of actors and dancers.

Just for fun, if it's been a while since you've seen it, you might enjoy a little mood music...the very memorable opening of the classic 1972 film version of "Cabaret." Youtube link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBlB8RAJEEc

According to the writing on the back of this card, this somber Pierrette is Princess Alma, the daughter of King Nicolo, from a scene in the play "Konig Nicolo, oder So ist das Leben" (King Nicolas, or Such is Life) by Frank Wedekind, a prominent and controversial figure in German theater of the Weimar era. An author, actor and cabaret performer, he led German theater from the norm of pre-20th century Realism into the unexplored territory of Expressionism.

Today, he is probably best known for the play "Die Büchse der Pandora" (Pandora's Box, 1904) one of his three "Lulu plays" that in the 1920s became perhaps the most important vehicle (at least from the perspective of modern day cinema fans) for silent film star Louise Brooks.

The actress pictured on our card bears a close resemblance to actress Tilly Wedekind, Frank Wedekind's wife (and some say the obsession that drove him to his untimely death in 1918), but that's another story we have no room for in this listing today.

A very interesting unposted card, perhaps a promotional RPPC.
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

Very early portrait (circa 1901) of Geraldine Farrar, internationally acclaimed opera diva and silent movie star, by one of the most important 19th century German photographers, Julius Cornelius Schaarwächter. This is probably an image drawn from her operatic debut in Berlin as Marguerite.

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 (for which role she is in costume in our postcard).
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 1901/2 at the beginning of her operatic career. Below, we have a link to Youtube where you can hear Miss Farrar and Mr. Caruso performing together as Marguerite and Faust in around 1910, when both were on the bill at the Met in New York.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YALA82msPvA

Great opera history, great unposted 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 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

According to Miss May de Sousa, her stage career began at the age of 14, in Chicago.

''Politics put me on the stage nine years ago,'' she was quoted as saying in a 1910 interview at the New York Theater during the run of "A Skylark." (Footlight Notes at
http://footlightnotes.tripod.com/MayDeSousa001.html)

She shaved a couple of years off her age for the interview (an oh so common practice at the time). The performance actually took place in 1899, rather than 1901. But, politics were indeed the reason the petite 14 year old stood on the stage of the Auditorium Theater in Chicago, singing, for a one time only performance and in front of a packed house, "Dear Midnight of Love."

By all accounts this was an absolutely terrible song (excerpt below), penned by none other than Bathhouse John Coughlin, one of the crookedest and most beloved by the people, of any politician in the history of Chicago, and that's saying something!

"Dear midnight of love,
Why did we meet?
Dear midnight of love,
Your face is so sweet.
Pure as the angels above,
Surely again we shall speak, Loving only as doves,
Dear midnight of love.”

(Chicagology at https://chicagology.com/notorious-chicago/leveedistrict/coughlinballads/)

Bathhouse John (sometimes known simply as "The Bath") ruled over the First Ward in those bad old days with his fellow Alderman Michael "Hinky Dink" Kenna, selling labor and construction contracts, protection to the saloons and the pimps and making life as easy as possible for whichever mob, Irish or Italian, happened to be on top at the time.

May's father, John De Sousa, was a Chicago police detective with close connections to Bathhouse John, hence May's appearance onstage.

Well, she was a hit and since John Coughlin got up onstage beside her, and the place was packed with his cronies, no one was terribly surprised. But, her talent was real, and after a few years of experience locally, she ran off to London, managed to grab the starring role in the 1905 production of "Cinderella" at the Drury Lane Theater, received great reviews and her career took off.

From success in London she went on to success in Paris. Back in America again, she married New York stockbroker Eaton Arthur Haines in 1910. He was a miserable guy who apparently beat her until their divorce in 1914.

A few years later though, while performing in Australia, she married surgeon William O'Hara, a marriage that apparently worked, lasting more than 20 years. She retired from the stage and the two moved to Shanghai.

Here the story turns grim. In the run up to World War Two, Japan invaded China. Her husband William died in 1941 (we don't know how yet, but are looking) and she spent time as a prisoner of war in internment camps.

By the time of her release in 1943, May de Sousa was nearly 60. She had no wealth, no fame, no prospects, and returned to her hometown, Chicago, where she eventually took a job as a scrub woman working for the public school system.

In 1948, at the age of 66, she died of malnutrition in a Chicago charity ward. (Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_de_Sousa)

So very sad. We think they should make a musical out of her life story. At the curtain's close there would not be a dry eye in the house.

A beautiful card with all the appearance of a photo by Georg Gerlach of Berlin, but with no credit and bearing a publisher logo we're still trying to trace. On the reverse side is a real treat of some of the loveliest handwriting, German with a smattering of French, that we've seen. Posted in 1908.

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

17.00 USD

Wonderful image of artiste Myriel by Leopold Reutlinger of Paris. We have no bio on this lovely Belle Epoque performer. We find her most often in maenad-type images, playing cymbals, or holding aloft the thyrsus of Bacchus. Often she is posed, like Doll, another favorite, in a woodland setting.
A wonderful card in very wonderful condition with just a little wear to 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!

16.00 USD

Wonderful image of artiste Myriel. We have no bio on this lovely Belle Epoque performer. We find her most often in maenad-type images, playing cymbals, or holding aloft the thyrsus of Bacchus. Often she is posed, like Doll, another favorite, in a woodland setting.
A wonderful card in nice posted condition with just a little wear to 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!

16.00 USD

Wonderful image of artiste Myriel. We have no bio on this lovely Belle Epoque performer. We find her most often in maenad-type images, playing cymbals, or holding aloft the thyrsus of Bacchus. Often she is posed, like Doll, another favorite, in a woodland setting.
A wonderful card in very wonderful condition with just a little wear to 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

Wonderful image of artiste Myriel. Though hardly noticeable in person, there was a small amount of damage done to this card long ago. The scan shows it both on the back side, and on the front as tiny dark dots on the right side of her face. We have no bio on this lovely Belle Epoque performer. We find her most often in maenad-type images, playing cymbals, or holding aloft the thyrsus of Bacchus. Often she is posed, like Doll, another favorite, in a woodland setting.
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!