27.00 USD

We are very pleased to share with you a wonderful small collection of postcard images by Parisian photographer Albert Wyndham.

Most of these probably date to the mid 1920s and early 30s.
There is little information available on Wyndham himself. A few auction listings of his work give his birth and death as 1903-1977 (entirely out of context is that these are also the birth and death years of pop and film star Bing Crosby, but we just happened to notice this in passing, so what the heck :), but nothing yet as to Wyndham's place of birth or death. We'll keep looking.
Undoubtedly, Wyndham did commercial work for Parisian lingerie manufacturers, as did so very many Paris photographers, and those glamor cards we so love often originated as fashion images in French magazines.
Wyndham's focus on undergarments and stockings though, moved beyond the commercial fashion view, into fetish, and he had (still has) a tremendous following as a photographer of "risque" images.

In his book, "Erotic Photography," Alexandre Dupouy mentions Albert Wyndham.
Dupouy writes that Wyndham worked for several minor magazines in the 1930s, and also produced catalogues "called Poupees Parisiennes or Camera Prints, which were published in English and aimed at an Anglo-Saxon clientele."
He writes that prints of catalogue images could be ordered through the mail and that this end of the business was very successful.
The postcards were sometimes signed "Film Art," or sometimes "Wyndham" but were in our experience always marked by a lower case "c" in a circle accompanied by a series number.

Monsieur Dupouy also put forth the very interesting theory that Wyndham may have been the photographer, Grundworth, another Parisian photographer (or group of photographers, as has been suggested elsewhere) about whom almost nothing is known, but whose work was produced on the same paper and whose style was very similar to Wyndham's, with the major difference being that while Wyndham's work was merely risque (and barely so, by modern standards), Grundworth's often entered the realm of what many would label pornography.

We hope you enjoy these classic lingerie images!
Some of the cards in this collection show minor wear to edges and corners. If we find any with major defects, we will, as always, list them, but please do 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!

27.00 USD

We are very pleased to share with you a wonderful small collection of postcard images by Parisian photographer Albert Wyndham.

Most of these probably date to the mid 1920s and early 30s.
There is little information available on Wyndham himself. A few auction listings of his work give his birth and death as 1903-1977 (entirely out of context is that these are also the birth and death years of pop and film star Bing Crosby, but we just happened to notice this in passing, so what the heck :), but nothing yet as to Wyndham's place of birth or death. We'll keep looking.
Undoubtedly, Wyndham did commercial work for Parisian lingerie manufacturers, as did so very many Paris photographers, and those glamor cards we so love often originated as fashion images in French magazines.
Wyndham's focus on undergarments and stockings though, moved beyond the commercial fashion view, into fetish, and he had (still has) a tremendous following as a photographer of "risque" images.

In his book, "Erotic Photography," Alexandre Dupouy mentions Albert Wyndham.
Dupouy writes that Wyndham worked for several minor magazines in the 1930s, and also produced catalogues "called Poupees Parisiennes or Camera Prints, which were published in English and aimed at an Anglo-Saxon clientele."
He writes that prints of catalogue images could be ordered through the mail and that this end of the business was very successful.
The postcards were sometimes signed "Film Art," or sometimes "Wyndham" but were in our experience always marked by a lower case "c" in a circle accompanied by a series number.

Monsieur Dupouy also put forth the very interesting theory that Wyndham may have been the photographer, Grundworth, another Parisian photographer (or group of photographers, as has been suggested elsewhere) about whom almost nothing is known, but whose work was produced on the same paper and whose style was very similar to Wyndham's, with the major difference being that while Wyndham's work was merely risque (and barely so, by modern standards), Grundworth's often entered the realm of what many would label pornography.

We hope you enjoy these classic lingerie images!
Some of the cards in this collection show minor wear to edges and corners. If we find any with major defects, we will, as always, list them, but please do 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!

27.00 USD

We are very pleased to share with you a wonderful small collection of postcard images by Parisian photographer Albert Wyndham.

Most of these probably date to the mid 1920s and early 30s.
There is little information available on Wyndham himself. A few auction listings of his work give his birth and death as 1903-1977 (entirely out of context is that these are also the birth and death years of pop and film star Bing Crosby, but we just happened to notice this in passing, so what the heck :), but nothing yet as to Wyndham's place of birth or death. We'll keep looking.
Undoubtedly, Wyndham did commercial work for Parisian lingerie manufacturers, as did so very many Paris photographers, and those glamor cards we so love often originated as fashion images in French magazines.
Wyndham's focus on undergarments and stockings though, moved beyond the commercial fashion view, into fetish, and he had (still has) a tremendous following as a photographer of "risque" images.

In his book, "Erotic Photography," Alexandre Dupouy mentions Albert Wyndham.
Dupouy writes that Wyndham worked for several minor magazines in the 1930s, and also produced catalogues "called Poupees Parisiennes or Camera Prints, which were published in English and aimed at an Anglo-Saxon clientele."
He writes that prints of catalogue images could be ordered through the mail and that this end of the business was very successful.
The postcards were sometimes signed "Film Art," or sometimes "Wyndham" but were in our experienced always marked by a lower case "c" in a circle accompanied by a series number.

Monsieur Dupouy also put forth the very interesting theory that Wyndham may have been the photographer, Grundworth, another Parisian photographer about whom almost nothing is known, but whose work was produced on the same paper and whose style was very similar to Wyndham's, with the major difference being that while Wyndham's work was merely risque (and barely so, by modern standards), Grundworth's often entered the realm of what many would label pornography.

We hope you enjoy these classic lingerie images!
Some of the cards in this collection show minor wear to edges and corners. If we find any with major defects, we will, as always, list them, but please do 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!

29.00 USD

We are very pleased to share with you a wonderful small collection of postcard images by Parisian photographer Albert Wyndham.

Most of these probably date to the mid 1920s and early 30s.
There is little information available on Wyndham himself. A few auction listings of his work give his birth and death as 1903-1977 (entirely out of context is that these are also the birth and death years of pop and film star Bing Crosby, but we just happened to notice this in passing, so what the heck :), but nothing yet as to Wyndham's place of birth or death. We'll keep looking.
Undoubtedly, Wyndham did commercial work for Parisian lingerie manufacturers, as did so very many Paris photographers, and those glamor cards we so love often originated as fashion images in French magazines.
Wyndham's focus on undergarments and stockings though, moved beyond the commercial fashion view, into fetish, and he had (still has) a tremendous following as a photographer of "risque" images.

In his book, "Erotic Photography," Alexandre Dupouy mentions Albert Wyndham.
Dupouy writes that Wyndham worked for several minor magazines in the 1930s, and also produced catalogues "called Poupees Parisiennes or Camera Prints, which were published in English and aimed at an Anglo-Saxon clientele."
He writes that prints of catalogue images could be ordered through the mail and that this end of the business was very successful.
The postcards were sometimes signed "Film Art," or sometimes "Wyndham" but were in our experience always marked by a lower case "c" in a circle accompanied by a series number.

Monsieur Dupouy also put forth the very interesting theory that Wyndham may have been the photographer, Grundworth, another Parisian photographer (or group of photographers, as has been suggested elsewhere) about whom almost nothing is known, but whose work was produced on the same paper and whose style was very similar to Wyndham's, with the major difference being that while Wyndham's work was merely risque (and barely so, by modern standards), Grundworth's often entered the realm of what many would label pornography.

We hope you enjoy these classic lingerie images!
In scanning the obverse of this card, the lower right corner of the visible scan is barely covered by another card. If you need a clean scan of the back, just ask us and we'll be happy to convo you one.
Some of the cards in this collection show minor wear to edges and corners. If we find any with major defects, we will, as always, list them, but please do 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!

27.00 USD

We are very pleased to share with you a wonderful small collection of postcard images by Parisian photographer Albert Wyndham.

Most of these probably date to the mid 1920s and early 30s.
There is little information available on Wyndham himself. A few auction listings of his work give his birth and death as 1903-1977 (entirely out of context is that these are also the birth and death years of pop and film star Bing Crosby, but we just happened to notice this in passing, so what the heck :), but nothing yet as to Wyndham's place of birth or death. We'll keep looking.
Undoubtedly, Wyndham did commercial work for Parisian lingerie manufacturers, as did so very many Paris photographers, and those glamor cards we so love often originated as fashion images in French magazines.
Wyndham's focus on undergarments and stockings though, moved beyond the commercial fashion view, into fetish, and he had (still has) a tremendous following as a photographer of "risque" images.

In his book, "Erotic Photography," Alexandre Dupouy mentions Albert Wyndham.
Dupouy writes that Wyndham worked for several minor magazines in the 1930s, and also produced catalogues "called Poupees Parisiennes or Camera Prints, which were published in English and aimed at an Anglo-Saxon clientele."
He writes that prints of catalogue images could be ordered through the mail and that this end of the business was very successful.
The postcards were sometimes signed "Film Art," or sometimes "Wyndham" but were in our experience always marked by a lower case "c" in a circle accompanied by a series number.

Monsieur Dupouy also put forth the very interesting theory that Wyndham may have been the photographer, Grundworth, another Parisian photographer (or group of photographers, as has been suggested elsewhere) about whom almost nothing is known, but whose work was produced on the same paper and whose style was very similar to Wyndham's, with the major difference being that while Wyndham's work was merely risque (and barely so, by modern standards), Grundworth's often entered the realm of what many would label pornography.

We hope you enjoy these classic lingerie images!
In scanning the obverse of this card, the lower right corner of the visible scan is barely covered by another card. If you need a clean scan of the back, just ask us and we'll be happy to convo you one.
Some of the cards in this collection show minor wear to edges and corners. If we find any with major defects, we will, as always, list them, but please do 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!

88.00 USD

as per convo

98.00 USD

as per convos

108.00 USD

As per convo. Not shown, is the sixth card in this lot, of Vilma Banky.

24.00 USD

Okay, no ghosts here, really. Just some friends having a good time at Carnaval, but a little spooky for outlanders like us, when we are not accustomed to those...well...customs! Plain and simply, most of the images we see of Carnaval show us the faces of the subjects! After all, they are having a picture taken and want to be identified. This photo, unlike the usual, lets us imagine the experience of Carnaval when the celebrants are actually masked!

The RPPC introduces us to the magical, the wonderful and strange, within the context of the everyday. Through the lens of what was often an amateur photographer's camera, we are offered rare, and necessarily singular, glimpses into the experiences of real, long ago, people. We do love them!

A great card, with incredible detail, but still showing its age with some foxing (those brown age spots) on the back side. Hey, when I'm eighty-something, I might show a little foxing on my backside too :)

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

An Aulette is one who plays an Aulos, the ancient Greek musical instrument our model is here pictured as playing. It was not a flute, or a whistle, but a reeded intrument. Archeological evidence suggests it was double reeded like the shawm, or oboe. According to Wikipedia, "Plato associates it with the ecstatic cults of Dionysus and the Korybantes," which certainly fits with the common theme of the Dionysian cult running through so much of Belle Epoque arts and entertainment media. The Wikipedia article also notes that in "The History of Musical Instruments" by Curt Sachs, 1940, the sound of the instrument was reported as being "penetrating, insisting and exciting." That description may not bring the oboe immediately to mind, but we have heard the shawm played a few times by a wonderful group of German folk musicians, Wolgemut, and those adjectives definitely apply to their playing of the shawm.

We include, for your pleasure, but not for sale, an old postcard image of an ancient Greek or Roman stone image of an aulette.

Our beautifully hand-colored postcard reflects the obsession of the period with the romance of classical Greece. Many Hermetic mystery organizations, like that of British occultist Dion Fortune, though practicing a Qabbalistic brand of magic, placed a great deal of emphasis on rites of Pan, etc. This is certainly a very magical image!

A wonderful thing about many of these old Croissant (yes, like the pastry, but referring simply to the crescent moon :) cards, is that the backside is often almost as decorative as the front. Wonderful Art Nouveau decoration.
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!

70.00 USD

Gorgeous, hand-tinted nude, circa 1920s. Wonderfully surreal treatment of what we believe was a photo by J. Mandel! The use of the "pochoir" (basically stenciling) technique, is so much fun here. Wonderful condition, with very minor wear to edges and corners. Quite a find, and we are very pleased to share it with you.

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

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

Lya Mara, 1897-1960, was born Aleksandra Gudowicz to Polish parents. When the family moved to Warsaw at the beginning of WWI, Aleksandra studied stagecraft, soon began dancing professionally, and eventually became a hugely popular star of German silent films. She did not, however, make the transition to the talkies. Her career faded, and when Hitler came to power in '33, she and her husband, director and producer Frederic Zelnik, with whom she had enjoyed great success in earlier years, left Germany for London, where Zelnik continued to direct and produce films.

Thanks Wikipedia for much of our biographical info!

Here, Fraulein Mara is dressed to the nines in luminously extravagant costumery!

A fantastic card in very fine 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, 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!
german postcard,
vintage postcard,
ross verlag,
1920s,
hollywood,
silent movies,
flapper,
film,
costume,
actress,
lya mara,
polish dancer,
dancer

17.00 USD

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

Lya Mara, 1897-1960, was born Aleksandra Gudowicz to Polish parents. When the family moved to Warsaw at the beginning of WWI, Aleksandra studied stagecraft, soon began dancing professionally, and eventually became a hugely popular star of German silent films. She did not, however, make the transition to the talkies. Her career faded, and when Hitler came to power in '33, she and her husband, director and producer Frederic Zelnik, with whom she had enjoyed great success in earlier years, left Germany for London, where Zelnik continued to direct and produce films.

Thanks Wikipedia for much of our biographical info!

A fantastic card in very nice 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, 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!

12.00 USD

Unattributed photographer, but image was Leopold Reutlinger's as our fourth listing image indicates. That is of another card not being offered for sale (it's not even our card). Leopold Reutlinger is well known for the varied decorative techniques he applied to postcard versions of his photographs, and this series is a favorite of ours. The repeated simple pattern in an almost metallic-sheen finish really makes the silver bromide print pop in an almost 3-dimensional way, don't you think?

Exquisite Gabrielle Robinne (1886-1980), was made an officer in the French Legion of Honor for her contributions in the Arts.
She was a greatly loved star of the stage, and also of silent films, and then the talkies as well, her career spanning some sixty years.

Note the thin paper pasted to the obverse of the card. This is not all that uncommon to find. An ex-lover, a bad memory, an embarrassing declaration, about a million possible reasons, and paste-downs like this are found quite often in old books, covering up private messages on the end-sheets.

A bit of a smudge on her cheek, otherwise a very nice card.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

17.00 USD

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

Pola Negri, born Apolonia Chalupiek in 1897 Poland rose out of poverty and began her performing career as a ballerina. She was struck by tuberculosis, however, and had to give up dancing. She became for a time one of the most popular femme fatales in Hollywood.

She had a long affair with Charles Chaplin, and then Rudolf Valentino, apparently they were lovers until his death in 1926. She was one of the two major femme fatales at Paramount studios, (Gloria Swanson being the other), and according to Chaplin, Paramount dreamed up all kinds of false rivalry and jealousy between Pola and Gloria for publicity purposes.

To give an indication of the way Pola felt about Valentino, here is a quote attributed to Pola Negri, that we found on the great blog:

http://classicglamourchic.blogspot.com/2010/12/pola-negri-talks-more-about-meeting_20.html

"Before he could say another word, we were interrupted by an exceedingly beautiful young blonde. She said in a thick accent, "Rudy, please take me home now. I've an early call in the morning."
Valentino asked, "Do you two know each other? Pola Negri -- Vilma Banky."

"I said good night and watched the striking couple walk away. She was one of his favorite leading ladies, and there were many rumors of a romance, which I found myself alternately hoping were true and resenting. I wondered if I was subconsciously jealous but quickly dismissed that as being out of the question. It was no more than a passing physical attraction. There had been my reaction to the way he led me across the floor, merely physical again. No, I had to admit he appealed to something deeper, something atavistic, something so basic in me that I had forgotten it was there, if, indeed, I had ever known it. It stripped away the veneers that went into the composition of my too public self, and exposed what lay beneath. Call it fatalism, but from our very first meeting I knew that somehow this man had the power either to destroy my life or so irrevocably alter its course that it would never again be the same."

Maybe these were Miss Negri's thoughts? Maybe they read well in a movie magazine...either way, just fun :) A great card!

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!

18.00 USD

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

Pola Negri, born Apolonia Chalupiek in 1897 Poland rose out of poverty and began her performing career as a ballerina. She was struck by tuberculosis, however, and had to give up dancing. She became for a time one of the most popular femme fatales in Hollywood.

She had a long affair with Charles Chaplin, and then Rudolf Valentino, apparently they were lovers until his death in 1926. She was one of the two major femme fatales at Paramount studios, (Gloria Swanson being the other), and according to Chaplin, Paramount dreamed up all kinds of false rivalry and jealousy between Pola and Gloria for publicity purposes.

To give an indication of the way Pola felt about Valentino, here is a quote attributed to Pola Negri, that we found on the great blog:

http://classicglamourchic.blogspot.com/2010/12/pola-negri-talks-more-about-meeting_20.html

"Before he could say another word, we were interrupted by an exceedingly beautiful young blonde. She said in a thick accent, "Rudy, please take me home now. I've an early call in the morning."
Valentino asked, "Do you two know each other? Pola Negri -- Vilma Banky."

"I said good night and watched the striking couple walk away. She was one of his favorite leading ladies, and there were many rumors of a romance, which I found myself alternately hoping were true and resenting. I wondered if I was subconsciously jealous but quickly dismissed that as being out of the question. It was no more than a passing physical attraction. There had been my reaction to the way he led me across the floor, merely physical again. No, I had to admit he appealed to something deeper, something atavistic, something so basic in me that I had forgotten it was there, if, indeed, I had ever known it. It stripped away the veneers that went into the composition of my too public self, and exposed what lay beneath. Call it fatalism, but from our very first meeting I knew that somehow this man had the power either to destroy my life or so irrevocably alter its course that it would never again be the same."


Maybe these were Miss Negri's thoughts? Maybe they read well in a movie magazine...either way, just fun :) A great card!

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!

33.00 USD

We've always been fond of this particular model. We've never been certain of her name and we've known nothing of her history, except that she was a very popular model in the 1910s and 20s, probably well into the 30s, too. We call her Mireille because a good customer of ours told us the name was printed on the back of one of her cards in a series wherein other models' names were also printed on the back-sides. This is nothing like evidence, but we'll call her Mireille until we know better.
Here we have one of five of her postcards we recently acquired out of a single series. Pretty neat! Most series of this kind were limited to six images, so this one is very close to completion.
Lovely unposted condition on this card!
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

19.00 USD

Very nice risque flapper postcard by Papetery de Levallois-Clichy, or P-C Paris (Clichy being a district on the Seine in the northwestern suburbs of Paris).
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

19.00 USD

Lovely seductive 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!

29.00 USD

Lebender Marmor, or Living Marble. One of a very popular postcard series in which the models, often in classical costume, were posed and made up to resemble marble statues. This one is a real beauty, and the silvering only serves to add to the image!

See another card from the same series:

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/redpoulaine/tools/listings/stats:true/268159810

Tableaux vivants are a form of performance art in which a costumed actor (in the case of the "tableaux," usually "actors plural") pose motionlessly, creating a scene from a painting, sculpture, etc., that is often recognizable and meaningful to the viewing audience. It puts us in mind of street artists painted in silver or white, and posing as statues for passing tourists at street fairs and the like.

In the early 1900s, it was not uncommon to see tableaux vivants of favorite religious scenes, such as the last supper, or, for example, during the run-up to WWI, a tableau vivant of Washington crossing the Delaware created on the stage of a vaudeville theater in order to stir the patriotic blood of the audience and help out with the recruitment drive.

Wikipedia notes, "The most recent heyday of the tableau vivant was the 19th century, with virtually nude tableaux vivants or poses plastiques providing a form of erotic entertainment."

Even when legislation restricted risque performances in the theaters, it was difficult to shut down a nude tableau vivant or pose plastique (a term we believe was more commonly used to describe this type of performance by a single actor) when it was touted as a work of art!

Our card demonstrates that the popularity of the pose plastique as a theatrical act carried over into picture postcards. We run across these fairly often, with the Lebender Marmor series being one of the nicest, we think.

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!