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14.00 USD
A lovely Belle Epoque postcard. In French "Deltiology" (the study and collecting of postcards), this type of card is known as a "precurseur," or precursor, in English, due to its undivided back. Before the advent of that vertical line separating the back of the card into two halves, the writing of messages was not allowed on the backs of cards, as this location was reserved exclusively for the addresses.
As a result of this, messages were restricted to blank portions of the card face, or, as we have often seen in our shop, were cleverly placed around and about the image, creating, sometimes, because of the beauty of carefully cultivated handwriting during that period, a truly wonderful, mixed-media, folk art form.
Also, the word precursor refers to that period prior to that which is now known as the "Golden Age" of the postcard, because as soon as people were allowed to write messages on the backs of their picture postcards, the popularity of these cards took off like a rocket to the moon! At last, instead of simply writing a perfunctory, "Best Wishes," or "Much Love," type of greeting in the apportioned space on the face of the card, people could compose entire letters (especially if they were adept at tiny script :), without going to the trouble and expense of the stationary previously needed for letter writing! We need to keep in mind that this was some time before the telephone was readily available as a means of communication.
In this particular card, which offers us a stunning portrait by Leopold Reutlinger of Paris, of one of the Queens of the French theater (and later, cinema), Gabriele Robinne, we have a fine example of a precurseur offering the sender the best of both worlds available at that time. Not only did they have a lovely picture to share with the recipient, but they also were afforded ample space within the image for the writing of a message! We also point out the beautiful hand-tinting of this card, and the liquid, curving lines to the left of the landscape panel, so characteristic of Art Nouveau. Very nice, unposted condition, with minor wear to corners and some tanning on the reverse side. 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!
