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Rosie Is as Rosie Does, Lovely Tinted French Flapper, circa 1920s/30s by redpoulaine

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0

8.00 USD

Lovely card, lovely condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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


Dreamy Rosy Barsony, Hungarian Actress, circa 1930 by redpoulaine

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12.00 USD

This card was posted in 1937 from Sarajevo, but we believe the image dates to a few years earlier. Gorgeous Soubrette Rosy Barsony was an Hungarian actress, singer and dancer. Born in Budapest, in 1909, she was very popular as a performer in operettas (in this case, light musical comedies). At the height of her fame, she lived and worked in Berlin. Below is a link to a wonderful Youtube soundbite of "Oh Mister Brown," a number out of "Ball im Savoy," a 1932 three act operetta by Paul Abraham, in which Fraulein Barsony appeared with her husband and constant working partner Oszkar Denes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-PWn63GbrU

We hope you were able to hear this one. They were marvelous together. Oh, how we wish we could take a short trip back and sit in the theater to experience this performance. The scat by Denes is a perfection of timing! This is very much the sort of performance that brought joy into the hearts of Berliners (not pastries! :), during those very difficult times. It also gives you a feel for the period during which the musical "Cabaret" is set.
Even more in keeping with the mood and plot of Cabaret, is the fact that Paul Abraham, the composer, Oszkar Denes, and Rosy Barsony were all Jews, living under the dark clouds of Nazi persecution which were growing ever stronger in those last years before Hitler's assumption of power.

In 1933, once Hitler took power, Miss Barsony applied to the UFA for a work permit which enabled her to continue working as a Jew in Germany. In 1935, the permit was revoked, and she and her husband left for Austria, where she agitated against the German annexation of Austria, both on stage, and out in the public eye.

Eventually they were forced to leave Austria for Italy, where they lived and worked in Milan, although in 1937, Italian authorities closed down the production "Zizi" because she and Oszkar, the stars of the show, were both Jewish.

The two survived the madness of those years, however, and although we weren't able to track the later years of Oszkar Denes, we know that Miss Barsony (presumably with her husband), returned to Austria, continued to work into the 50s, and died in Vienna, in 1977.
A great card with a very gentle crease in the upper central portion.
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!

Old French Postcard for Stereo Viewing, of Pierrot, circa 1910s? by redpoulaine

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0

14.00 USD

Wonderful item. We're researching postcards produced for stereo viewing and hope to gather some useful information for you. In the meantime...aren't two Pierrots better than one? :) 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, 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!

Lovely German Image of Young Woman with Mandolin II, circa 1910s by redpoulaine

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11.00 USD

"Ich denke Dein," or "I think of you (or technically, of your.) One of two lovely romantic images from the same series we recently acquired. Very nice condition, with a hint of silvering which only serves to add to the atmosphere. Bears the stamp of the NBC, or Neue Bromsilber Convention, what was essentially a price fixing cartel established by a large number of silver-bromide photo image postcard producers in Germany, established in 1909. Card appears to be dated 1917 by the sender. 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!

Lovely German Image of Young Woman with Mandolin, circa 1910s by redpoulaine

0
0

11.00 USD

"Denkst Du an mich?" or, "Do you think of me?" One of two lovely romantic images from the same series we recently acquired. Very nice condition, with a hint of silvering which only serves to add to the atmosphere. Bears the stamp of the NBC, or Neue Bromsilber Convention, what was essentially a price fixing cartel established by a large number of silver-bromide photo image postcard producers in Germany, established in 1909. Card appears to be dated 1917 by the sender. 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!

Renaissance Pageboy in Feathered Hat, circa 1905 by redpoulaine

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18.00 USD

Superb image of young, unidentified artiste in a truly lovely costume. Remarkable clarity. 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, 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!

Marthe Derminy, Belle Epoque Stage Performer, by Walery, circa 1905 by redpoulaine

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16.00 USD

So charming! Beautiful image of Belle Epoque artiste Marthe Derminy taken by Walery, the Parisian theatrical portraitist who came to Paris from London in 1900, and had inherited both his professional pseudonym, Walery, and the title of Count Ostorog, from his Lithuanian father, Walery the elder, who had been a very successful photographer as well.

Image circa 1905. We have not been able to find any biographical info on Mlle. Derminy yet, still looking, but it does appear that later in her life, she made appearances in a number of French musical romance films in the 30s and 40s, though it is possible that this was another Marthe Derminy.

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!

Playing for Love, Tinted Couples Romance by Alfred Noyer, circa 1920s by redpoulaine

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11.00 USD

We adore these over-the-top hand-tinted masterpieces. Hope you do too!They are playing a bit close in, these two, and we certainly hope things go well for this charming couple, but if it doesn't we can always re-title this card, "Love's Just a Racket." A little of the coloring bled onto the back of the card.
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, 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!


Mlle. Mozaia, Parisian Dancer, circa 1905, by Louis Martin by redpoulaine

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17.00 USD

We have no history on Mlle. Mozaia or the photographer Louis Martin. Research still in progress. What a wonderful card, though. Monsieur Martin is one of our favorite photographers. Unlike Leopold Reutlinger, he was not often very playful with his images, and the cards were not often hand-colored either. Pretty much straight forward portraits of theater people, who were then identified by name, and sometimes by act, such as "Danseuse Eccentrique," with a white ink pen on the negative. So no frills, but very professionally accomplished portraits of often lesser known acts, which is just a lot of fun, but because he was, perhaps, a less well known photographer, and his subjects less well known, it makes research into them more difficult.

His studio was located at 52 Rue de Faubourg Saint-Martin, in Paris, about 10 minutes walk from the Moulin Rouge, and 15 minutes walk from the Folies Bergere, so he was certainly in a prime spot at that time, in what is now, according to hotel reviews, a culturally diverse neighborhood with lots of yummy ethnic restaurants and clubs. Wanna go? :)
A wonderful 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!

Gorgeous Image of Stage Performer in Gown, posted 1905 by redpoulaine

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17.00 USD

Wonderful coloration! Love the way the gown is swirled at the base. Tiny scratch between hip and elbow.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

Rosie Is as Rosie Does, Lovely Tinted French Flapper, circa 1920s/30s by redpoulaine

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0

8.00 USD

Lovely card, lovely condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

Dreamy Rosy Barsony, Hungarian Actress, circa 1930 by redpoulaine

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0

12.00 USD

This card was posted in 1937 from Sarajevo, but we believe the image dates to a few years earlier. Gorgeous Soubrette Rosy Barsony was an Hungarian actress, singer and dancer. Born in Budapest, in 1909, she was very popular as a performer in operettas (in this case, light musical comedies). At the height of her fame, she lived and worked in Berlin. Below is a link to a wonderful Youtube soundbite of "Oh Mister Brown," a number out of "Ball im Savoy," a 1932 three act operetta by Paul Abraham, in which Fraulein Barsony appeared with her husband and constant working partner Oszkar Denes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-PWn63GbrU

We hope you were able to hear this one. They were marvelous together. Oh, how we wish we could take a short trip back and sit in the theater to experience this performance. The scat by Denes is a perfection of timing! This is very much the sort of performance that brought joy into the hearts of Berliners (not pastries! :), during those very difficult times. It also gives you a feel for the period during which the musical "Cabaret" is set.
Even more in keeping with the mood and plot of Cabaret, is the fact that Paul Abraham, the composer, Oszkar Denes, and Rosy Barsony were all Jews, living under the dark clouds of Nazi persecution which were growing ever stronger in those last years before Hitler's assumption of power.

In 1933, once Hitler took power, Miss Barsony applied to the UFA for a work permit which enabled her to continue working as a Jew in Germany. In 1935, the permit was revoked, and she and her husband left for Austria, where she agitated against the German annexation of Austria, both on stage, and out in the public eye.

Eventually they were forced to leave Austria for Italy, where they lived and worked in Milan, although in 1937, Italian authorities closed down the production "Zizi" because she and Oszkar, the stars of the show, were both Jewish.

The two survived the madness of those years, however, and although we weren't able to track the later years of Oszkar Denes, we know that Miss Barsony (presumably with her husband), returned to Austria, continued to work into the 50s, and died in Vienna, in 1977.
A great card with a very gentle crease in the upper central portion.
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!

Old French Postcard for Stereo Viewing, of Pierrot, circa 1910s? by redpoulaine

0
0

14.00 USD

Wonderful item. We're researching postcards produced for stereo viewing and hope to gather some useful information for you. In the meantime...aren't two Pierrots better than one? :) 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, 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!

Countess Rina De Liguoro Italian Silent Movie Queen, circa 1920s Autographed by redpoulaine

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24.00 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!

Born in Florence, in 1892, Rina De Liguoro is sometimes known as the last of Italy's great silent movie stars. She began her stage career as a concert pianist, then acting in film in the late teens. In 1922, she starred as the Empress Messalina in "Messalina, Fall of an Empress" This was apparently the turning point in her career. Through the 20s, she made several successful films, then moved to Hollywood, but the age of the silents was over, and she won only small supporting roles. She was often billed as Countess De Liguoro, which was appropriate enough, since her husband was a count!
She returned to Italy in the late 30s, rekindled her career as a pianist while occasionally performing relatively small parts in film. She passed away in Rome, in 1966, and was buried in the costume she wore in her first big film, "Messalina," which is a pretty romantic touch, we think :)

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!

Two Sisters Pose with Dark-Toned Doll, circa 1920s by redpoulaine

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22.00 USD

Absolutely lovely! What a pair of pixies :) The younger of the two girls appears to be wearing pierced earrings. 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, 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!


Belle Epoque Female Impersonator, M. Bertin, in Kimono and Mums, circa 1905 by redpoulaine

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19.00 USD

Wonderful variety show entertainment image. We are still trying to dig up some biographical info this performer. This kind of "Viktor/Viktoria" act was very popular with music hall audiences during this period, and of course being far less exposed to the world, as we have been by film and television, and all the more so now by the internet, it probably didn't take a whole lot, in terms of "transformation" to really amaze much of their audience.
A great card. 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, 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!

Autographed Portrait of Nella Regini (Personal Note from the Actress on the Reverse), circa 1920s by redpoulaine

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24.00 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.

Wonderful find! Nella is another one of our very favorite "Bella Donnas" Hugely famous Italian star of the light operetta and silent film. She was a really lovely soprano. Check her out on YouTube! Always a treat when we find autographed items, but this is even better! A very kind fellow Etsy seller from Italy, Katiuscia Herrera, who runs the wonderful shop, UnBaulePienoDiSogni, worked out the cursive script on the back of the card for us as follows:

"Gentile signore, sono sensibile ai suoi complimenti ma non posso né voglio fissarle alcun appuntamento. Non ne vedo lo scopo. La ringrazio dei suoi complimenti e la saluto cordialmente. Nella Regini"

Which generally translates as:

"Gentle Sir, I am sensible to your compliments, but I can not, nor will I, set an appointment. I do not see the purpose. Thank you for your compliments, and cordial greetings, Nella Regini"

Perhaps a particularly enthusiastic fan wanted to arrange a dinner date? Well, it was certainly a no nonsense, but very polite, refusal.

Please DO visit the Etsy shop UnBaulePienoDiSogni, where the proprietress creates wonderfully authentic period clothing. If you love our cards, you will love her work!

Slight thumb crease in upper left quadrant just to the left of Nella's head, and minor corner and edge wear.
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!

The Language of Flowers, Embossed Apple Blossoms with Photo Portrait, circa 1905 by redpoulaine

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18.00 USD

We feel extraordinarily fortunate today, to be sharing this bit of history with you. This is one of our quiet little treasures, all the more precious somehow, because of its seeming insignificance. On the face of things, this seems a fairly common sort of card, at least they were common enough at the turn of the 19th to 20th century: a photographic cameo of a beautiful woman, usually a well known artiste (this one looking a bit like Paule Delys, but not enough for us to feel certain...), laid into a beautifully colored card, decorated with embossed flowers. But what variety of flower? And did it really matter? Oh yes, indeed it did!

In the "language of flowers," every bloom carried with it a sentiment, or told a story. A bouquet of flowers, depending upon the combination of varieties present and their arrangement, could tell a story, or send a detailed message.

In Ravel's 1911 short ballet "Adelaide, ou la Langage des Fleurs," The Russian dancer Trouhanova both produced the ballet and performed the part of Adelaide, who, for example, received from one suitor a sunflower (which signified empty riches), and with it a diamond necklace. Upon another suitor, she bestowed a poppy (suggesting that he should "forget" his love for her), but later, to the man who gave her the sunflower, she offers only the acacia (symbolic of platonic affection), dashing his hopes, and finally, coming to her decision, gives the lover, to whom she had earlier given a poppy, a red, red rose, which, as anyone knows, symbolizes her true love. :) Remember, this was a ballet. The symbolic meaning of the flowers was not expressed verbally, but already known to the audience of that time.

Attaching symbolic, magical and yes, divinatory, meanings (he loves me, he loves me not) to flowers, dates back probably thousands of years, spans the globe, and of course, just as one might be said to be "green" with envy in Philadelphia PA, or "yellow" with envy, in Berlin, the symbolism of a particular blossom, or bud, can differ from one place and time, to another.

Here at Red Poulaine, the place and time upon which we focus, more than any other, is France, during that period known as la Belle Epoque, and this card gives us a wonderful window through which we can see and experience a little of that time and place, from the perspective of someone who lived it.

On the face of this card was written the words, " Fleurs de Pommier," and "Discorde," or Apple Blossoms, and Discord. Carefully tipped onto the back of the card, written on both sides of a carefully folded sheet of paper, is a fairly long letter in which the author tells the story of the Judgement of Paris, wherein the goddess of discord secretly tosses a golden apple into the mix at a happy wedding feast. Upon the apple is inscribed the words, "to the fairest." Of course, immediately, three goddesses each suggest that their beauty alone deserves the apple, and Zeus is asked to decide which of the three will receive it. Zeus, being all-wise, suggests that such a judgment is best left to an unbiased party, and demands that the king of Troy, Paris, make the decision.
Well, we won't spoil the story for you, but you can imagine that nothing but difficulty follows. Here's a hint: Trojan War? :)

The letter itself refers to the choice made by Paris, underlines the word "preference," and seems to suggest that the author has chosen between lovers, and refers to a day spent in temptation and indulgence, and an unfortunate idea. So tantalizing and mysterious! But the long and the short of it is that we believe this letter to be a "Dear John," or "Jill," and that the author is, in their own, "flowery" way, letting a lover down easy.
How we wish we were fluent in French, so that we could really be certain, or at least more certain, as to the letter's meaning, but at the very least, this card, and the letter attached to it, gives us a lively perspective on "Le Langage des Fleurs," and its popularity, in Belle Epoque France.

Many thanks to google books as a source for information on Ravel's ballet. Link to that source:

http://books.google.com/books?id=c1pYXyLeFXsC&pg=PA5&lpg=PA5&dq=adelaide+oula+langage+les+fleurs&source=bl&ots=GZ1qRw169A&sig=k8paXQo5ewHJd8SoXEb25PqLUhw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=h5yKUrKlOaasigKhv4HYAQ&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=adelaide%20oula%20langage%20les%20fleurs&f=false

Very nice condition. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

French Flapper in Cloche Hat, circa 1920s, by Ketty by redpoulaine

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11.00 USD

We love Ketty cards. Do we know who the model is? Nope. The photographer? Also nope :) But that gorgeous silver glow that Ketty seemed so often to manage is there, and then they often over-tinted in pinks and reds, just enough to lend a slightly surreal feeling to the image.
Wonderful.
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!

Lovely French Model in Feathered Hat, by Ketty, circa 1920s by redpoulaine

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6.00 USD

We love Ketty cards. Do we know who the model is? Nope. The photographer? Also nope :) But that gorgeous silver glow that Ketty seemed so often to manage is there,
Wonderful. Please note that on this card there is a visible crease in the upper left hand corner.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, 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!

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