12.00 USD

So cute! Love this hat! Of course its color was determined by the colorist, or their boss. If you look closely at the coloration on this card, you will notice that many of the patches of color have sharp, zig-zag borders. This is because by the 1920s, much of the hand-tinting done was through the "pochoir," or stenciling, method. Larger printing runs made it cost effective to take the time developing stencils for different shades of color. Possibly your "green" colorist would have had one stencil, your "lilac" colorist, another. And so (with drying time in between), down the assembly line the cards would travel, until the tinting was completed.

Also note the classic Art Nouveau floral print on the model's outfit. Though by the time this card was printed, we were well into the Art Deco period, both Deco and Nouveau were very much about artistic applications to production and finishing in modern industry (postcards included!), and experts could argue 'til the cows come home over where "Nouveau" ends and "Deco' begins. In the long run though, we think all would agree that Deco drew heavily upon Nouveau, and the border between the two is anything but clear.

A wonderful unposted 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!

19.00 USD

1909 Salon, La Musique Profane

14.00 USD

By the time Thaïs was submitted to the Paris Salon in the early 1920s, Adrien Tanoux (1865-1923) was already a very well respected painter, having won many awards, and was well known, particularly for his "orientalist" nudes. We date this card to the early 1920s, since our research suggests the painting was shown in 1922, and that Monsieur Tanoux passed away in 1923.

"Thaïs" was an opera bouffe in three acts, by Jules Massenet, that premiered in 1894 with Sibyle Sanderson in the title role (written expressly for her by Massenet). In 1903, one of our favorite people, Signorina Lina Cavalieri performed the lead in the Italian premiere.

The story itself is a compelling one. Set in Byzantine Egypt, it relates the tale of Thaïs, an Alexandrian courtesan (and a devotee of the goddess Venus), and Athanaël, a Cenobite monk, who attempts to convert her to the Christian faith. According to Wikipedia, (Athanaël) "...discovers too late that his obsession with her (Thaïs) is rooted in lust; and while the courtesan's true purity of heart is revealed, so is the religious man's baser nature."

This, we gotta see! :)

A lovely card, with slight age fading. 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

Asta Nielsen, Danish silent film actress, was the most famous and highly paid film actress of her time. You may not have heard of her, because film censors in the USA saw to it that not so much of her work made it over here, considering it a bit too spicy for American viewers. Before you jump to the conclusion that her risque performances were probably rather silly and naive, follow the link below to a clip from the film, "The Abyss." This was her film debut, and set a pattern for future roles. Wow, does she sizzle!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=criEcLXgUQ0

Miss Nielsen (1881-1972) was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her family was poor, and her younger years were difficult. She struggled to gain entrance into acting school, and once there, at the age of 20, became pregnant, and chose to raise her child alone (never acknowledging the father's identity), with her mother and sister. Still, she succeeded, did well on the stage, and began in film, in 1910. Like many European film actors, she soon moved to Berlin, the center of European film making at that time, and was hugely successful.

She didn't make the transition to the talkies though, and although in the 1930s, the Nazis encouraged her to return to film in Germany (Herr Hitler himself invited her to tea with this in mind, thinking to make use of her as a propaganda tool) she refused, left Germany, and returned to her native Denmark, from where she attempted (by offering financial assistance) to give aid to Jews and others suffering persecution during that period.

A wonderful card, that by its reference code, was printed between 1919 and 1924. 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!

49.00 USD

In remarkable condition, this is one of the "classic" French nudes of the 1920s. Sadly we don't know the name of the photographer, but it has the feel of J. Mandel's work. Very sought after by collectors, this image has certainly appeared as a modern reproduction to fill that demand, but this is an original, and we are very pleased to share it with you!

Apart from the obvious beauty of the model, the use of "french postcard" tropes in this image is classic too, and perhaps accounts for much of its collectibility..

First, we have the small statue, often appearing almost "companionably" in these images, or sometimes more formally, suggesting a shrine to a goddess, with the model as devotée, or supplicant.
In this case, both woman and statue are reflected in the mirror, neither directly beholding the other, but both, as it were, on "display." This makes a very interesting statement.

And, of course, there is the mirror reflection trope, always adding interest and depth. The patriarchal preoccupation with "female vanity" runs through many French nudes though more obviously in the ubiquitous "hand-mirror" image. Here, the young lady gazes into her own eyes, not coquettishly, but with a deeper, unfathomable, expression. We really love this detail.

Finally, the "woman with animal skin" trope. With her feet resting on the leopard skin, has she, with her beauty and strength of will, conquered the wild beast that is man? (one fairly common interpretation), or does her passion equal his desire? (another common "wishful thinking" interpretation :) Or, yet another: has she instead conquered her own unbridled passions? (a favorite "philosophical" interpretation), and finally, and perhaps trading symbolism for mere accoutrement, does she simply embody the ancient maenad, celebrant of the bacchanal, who wore the skins of wild beasts during their rites of wild abandon?

Well, yes...we DO ponder these unanswerable questions...it's fun, and if we didn't embrace the history culture and art of the images, and learn from them, we feel like we'd be missing out on a lot that they offer us. But honestly, we just really love this image :)

The turban is such a wonderful, unusual touch, don't you think? Awesome 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!

16.00 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!

Great image from a great movie in which Rudolph Valentino plays a dual role opposite Vilma Banky, the heroic dancer/love interest. There are some issues with this film, politically incorrect elements, that are undeniably over the top. We won't give you spoilers, but if you love old movies, you are presumably ready to cringe now and then, or you simply wouldn't love old movies!

Born Vilma Koncsics (1901-1991) Miss Banky was the daughter of a highly placed government official in Emperor Franz Joseph's Austro-Hungary. Growing up in Budapest, she was fascinated by film from a young age, and won a part in a film at age 19.

In 1925, Samuel Goldwyn visited Budapest, and signed her to a contract. Her family, and her fiancee were already unhappy with the idea of her being an actress, but she ignored all of their wishes, and ran off (hardly running off, really, she was 24 years old :) to Hollywood, where she was called the Hungarian Rhapsody, and became a tremendous success.
She was leading lady to Rudolf Valentino in "The Eagle," and "Son of the Shiek," and made many more films before the talkies reared their head, and her heavy Hungarian accent apparently stood in the way of her continued success.

She married silent movie star Rod La Rocque (Wait, we know what you're thinking, but that was the name this French-Canadian fellow was actually born with, and no, he never starred in an episode of the Flintstones :) to whom she stayed happily married until his death in 1969.
Miss Banky sold real estate with her husband, played a lot of golf, and established an educational foundation. Sounds like a relatively uneventful, happy later life. I think we can say that is a very nice thing.
Almost all of our bio information was drawn from a wonderfully concise article on Wikipedia. Thanks Wikipedia!

A visit to Youtube will produce numerous clips from her film career, allowing you to see why she was so greatly loved. A very beautiful woman, and a gifted actress. I think, through Youtube, we were able to enjoycomplete copies of both "The Winning of Barbara Worth" (early Gary Cooper too!), and "Son of the Sheik."

Beautiful costume image. A very nice, unposted 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 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!

Amusing image from "The Trail of '98. Though at the time this card was published, Dolores Del Rio was already a star of silent films in Hollywood, to call her a silent film star leaves out all the rest. This actress, dancer, muse, had a truly magnificent career. She easily made the change from the silents to the talkies, she did radio, television, she was a star in Hollywood, in Europe (winning at Cannes), was probably the biggest star of Latin America during the first half of the 20th century. She took Orson Welles as her lover, supported the losing side in the Spanish Civil War, and so (for both of those reasons), wound up in hot water with the HUAC boys. She was close friends with Marlene Dietrich, Charlie Chaplin, and Evita Peron, and...well...we could go on and on, but do check out the Wikipedia article. She led a fascinating life.

This particular card was published by Ross Verlag of Berlin, and Ballerini and Fratini of Firenze, one of our favorite Italian publishers!


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 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 Vilma Koncsics (1901-1991) Miss Banky was the daughter of a highly placed government official in Emperor Franz Joseph's Austro-Hungary.
Growing up in Budapest, she was fascinated by film from a young age, and won a part in a film at age 19.

In 1925, Samuel Goldwyn visited Budapest, and signed her to a contract. Her family, and her fiancee were already unhappy with the idea of her being an actress, but she ignored all of their wishes, and ran off (hardly running off, really, she was 24 years old :) to Hollywood, where she was called the Hungarian Rhapsody, and became a tremendous success.
She was leading lady to Rudolf Valentino in "The Eagle," and "Son of the Shiek," and made many more films before the talkies reared their head, and her heavy Hungarian accent apparently stood in the way of her continued success.

She married silent movie star Rod La Rocque (Wait, we know what you're thinking, but that was the name this French-Canadian fellow was actually born with, and no, he never starred in an episode of the Flintstones :) to whom she stayed happily married until his death in 1969.
Miss Banky sold real estate with her husband, played a lot of golf, and established an educational foundation. Sounds like a relatively uneventful, happy later life. I think we can say that is a very nice thing.
Almost all of our bio information was drawn from a wonderfully concise article on Wikipedia. Thanks Wikipedia!

A visit to Youtube will produce numerous clips from her film career, allowing you to see why she was so greatly loved. A very beautiful woman, and a gifted actress. I think, through Youtube, we were able to enjoycomplete copies of both "The Winning of Barbara Worth" (early Gary Cooper too!), and "Son of the Sheik."

Beautiful atmospheric image. A very nice, unposted 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!

59.00 USD

Gorgeous, hand-tinted nude by J. Mandel, circa 1920s. Some of the coloring is apparent on the back of the card (a common enough occurrence with deeply tinted cards) There is also a small amount of smudging in the color at the left side of her waist (her left).Lovely condition otherwise, with very minor wear to edges and corners. Quite a find, as these colored versions are very difficult to find.


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!

49.00 USD

MATURE: Superb French Nude in Mirror. 1920s Classic A. Noyer ImageIn remarkable condition, this is one of the "classic" French nudes of the 1920s. Sadly we don't know the name of the photographer, but it has the feel of J. Mandel's work. Very sought after by collectors, this image has certainly appeared as a modern reproduction to fill that demand, but this is an original, and we are very pleased to share it with you!

Apart from the obvious beauty of the model, the use of "french postcard" tropes in this image is classic too, and perhaps accounts for much of its collectibility..

First, we have the small statue, often appearing almost "companionably" in these images, or sometimes more formally, suggesting a shrine to a goddess, with the model as devotée, or supplicant.
In this case, both woman and statue are reflected in the mirror, neither directly beholding the other, but both, as it were, on "display." This makes a very interesting statement.

And, of course, there is the mirror reflection trope, always adding interest and depth. The patriarchal preoccupation with "female vanity" runs through many French nudes though more obviously in the ubiquitous "hand-mirror" image. Here, the young lady gazes into her own eyes, not coquettishly, but with a deeper, unfathomable, expression. We really love this detail.

Finally, the "woman with animal skin" trope. With her feet resting on the leopard skin, has she, with her beauty and strength of will, conquered the wild beast that is man? (one fairly common interpretation), or does her passion equal his desire? (another common "wishful thinking" interpretation :) Or, yet another: has she instead conquered her own unbridled passions? (a favorite "philosophical" interpretation), and finally, and perhaps trading symbolism for mere accoutrement, does she simply embody the ancient maenad, celebrant of the bacchanal, who wore the skins of wild beasts during their rites of wild abandon?

Well, yes...we DO ponder these unanswerable questions...it's fun, and if we didn't embrace the history culture and art of the images, and learn from them, we feel like we'd be missing out on a lot that they offer us. But honestly, we just really love this image :)

The turban is such a wonderful, unusual touch, don't you think? Awesome 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 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!

Yes, we are having a bit of fun with "dominant" imagery in our four featured cards this weekend :)
And although we are just being silly, historians still examine what was a proliferation of the dominatrix in the popular culture of Weimar era Berlin!

Anny Ondra, born Anna Sophie Ondráková in 1903, was a Czech film actress who began in the silents, but was also successful in the talkies. Most of her films were German, though she did make a couple of British films with director Alfred Hitchcock!

After an amicable divorce from her first husband, producer Karel Lamac (with whom she continued a professional relationship long after their divorce), she married the famous heavyweight boxer Max Schmeling, to whom she remained married until her passing in 1987.

Incidentally, although Schmeling a heavyweight contender and champion, famous for his bouts against Baer and Louis, was used as a propaganda tool by the Nazi regime in the 1930s, the story emerged long after the war, that he and Anny Ondra had hidden a couple of Jewish children in their home, thus saving their lives, during the Berlin Purge.

Here, Fraulein Ondra poses as a most charming dominatrix...wha...crack...ouch! :)

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!

19.00 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!

22.00 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!

Wonderful early Ross Verlag card of Lucy Doraine, popular star of the silent screen. She was born Ilona Kovacs in Budapest, Hungary in 1898. Between 1918 and 1931, she appeared in 24 films. First in Hungary, then Germany, and finally in Hollywood. She was married to Hollywood director Michael Curtiz for a short time between 1918, and 1923. He was also Hungarian, and incidentally directed some really HUGE films, like "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood" with Errol Flynn and Claudette Colbert, and "Casablanca" with ... we don't even have to tell ya that! :)

Many thanks to Wikipedia for most of our biographical info!

A very nice, unposted 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, 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!

16.00 USD

Madeleine Dolley was a French stage actress who was quite popular, appearing in theatrical productions between the 1890s, and the 1910s. She toured with Mme. Sarah Bernhardt in Romain Goolus' Lysiane (which incidentally was the name of Mme. Bernhadt's granddaughter, who was also an actress). Apart from a number of interesting images of her, we find very little history.

In this delightful image, showing off what we guess are her own long, long braids, she wears the classic Russian headdress, the kokoshnik, and a sarafan.
Wikipedia has a detailed article on the kokoshnik:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokoshnik

and if you're at all interested, below is a link to a Russian tutorial that shows you in detail how to make a classic Russian kokoshnik!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPIu-E8m4RQ

And having made your own kokoshnik, below is another link to a video showing you how to dance and sing when wearing your kokoshnik!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPfiy1xPUzs

or not? but fun :)

A very nice unposted 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

One of our favorite, and most magical, subgenres of "Lovely Lady" postcards has to be that of the marvelous maenad. These are somewhat idealized, and presumably toned down, versions of those wild maidens of ancient Greece, who in their worship of Dionysus, the god of wine and sensual abandon, got up to all kinds of mischief. The maenad, as an image, was practically the poster girl of La Belle Epoque, expressing that rich, earthy, "joie de vivre," which has come to be seen as so expressive of that era. In our Marvelous Maenad section, we're not all that particular about whether the model is depicted as a woodland sprite, a pagan priestess, or if they're just a couple of Belle Epoque chorus girls unwinding after a tough dress rehearsal. The images we list in this section might have been published anytime between the 1890s and the 1930s. Basically, if they're wearing grapes, grapevines, animal skins, or any of the other accoutrements no self respecting maenad could do without, this is the section they'll end up in. Welcome to the Bacchanal!!! :)

Sazerac of Paris, respected photographer, took this wonderfully hand-colored photograph a la "maenad," published by Monsieur G. Piprot of Paris in the early 1900s. Posted in 1907. Beautiful 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!

12.00 USD

Very nice untinted Mignon image. A german card in very nice, unposted condition, circa 1910.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

24.00 USD

Emilia Bruzzone, Belle Epoque Performer, Autographed Card, Posted in Argentina, 1904

The dedication on this card translates as, "Blessed be the music that lets us forget our sorrows." Great fun! Emilia holds aloft a bird's nest, contemplating...well, whatever you'd like her to contemplate :)
She's wearing a rather daring floral embroidered peek-a-boo top over her sheer mermaid gown, and is generally bedecked with flowers. Gorgeous clarity in this image. Very minor wear to corners.
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!

19.00 USD

And where is the girl who looks after the sheep?
Why, under the haystack, of course!

Wonderful card, which although very tame by today's standards, we will file under the heading of "risque" by those antiquated standards of yesterday. We particularly love the use of red coloring, casually applied onto the image surface in an almost impressionistic fashion. Wonderful early tinted postcard in really wonderful condition. This same model changes this costume for one of an Algerian belly dancer in another card we just acquired. Please follow link below to see it!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/157883550/dancer-with-parrot-hand-tinted-french

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

So Cute! Yet another example of a dance costume inspired by the native clothing designs of France's North African colonies. Wonderful snakes worked into her outfit! Published circa 1905 by die Neue Photographische Gesellschaft of Berlin.
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!

16.00 USD

Geraldine Farrar. She really was adorable! Perhaps some film enthusiast out there will share our memory of a scene from the wonderful film "The Third Man," in which Valli, performing onstage, and wearing a powdered wig like Miss Farrar's, shares a smile with the audience, thereby "breaking the fourth wall," as they say. This image, for us, immediately brings that scene to mind.
Geraldine Farrar was born in 1882, in Massachusetts, In 1901 Berlin she enjoyed tremendous acclaim following her debut as Marguerite in Gounod's Faust. One of her fans was the eldest son of the Kaiser, Crown Prince Wilhelm, with whom she was reputed to have had an affair.
Returning to the United States, Miss Farrar was a member of the Met, from 1907 until her retirement in 1922. 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 is a gorgeous card, probably printed very early on in her career while she was still in Berlin.
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!