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!