18.00 USD
Wonderful French Lingerie image from the 20s. Fashion history buffs love these images for the detail. We've had cards from this series before in the shop. The model is a favorite, so charming, and the swirly wall decoration is unmistakable.
So, what was the actual purpose of this card at the time of its printing? The jury is still out on that one. When we approach the question from the point of view of postcard collectors, the answer seems obvious. Beautiful woman in lovely lingerie, sexy pose, mirror image, often it is assumed that cards like this one, particularly those printed without defined postcard markings, were simply "men's trading cards" of the time (think pokemon :), probably packaged in series of six cards at the local stationary shop.
Well, that sounds very likely, but was this photograph taken only with that end goal in mind? We don't think so. When we dig deeper into these images, and go searching through theatrical and fashion periodicals of the time, we find some very interesting things.
For example: You know those wonderfully hand-tinted head shots from the 1920s of models in marvelous hats? Well, we've run across some of those same images in periodicals offering examples of that season's newest hat designs! What's more, two such photos were attributed to Henri Manuel!
The point is, that those photos were fashion shots taken by H. Manuel, and then turned into postcards after the fact, purchased probably by women who admired the newest fashion, and to take to their local milliner as an example of what they wanted made, or taken home, where they produced one like it, themselves.
In the case of "lingerie shots," these postcard images may have often been made from fashion magazine images of models in what were that season's lingerie!
What do you think? We are definitely interested in your opinions. Let us know!
A very nice card with a slight green stain in the upper center near edge.
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!