14.00 USD
Not too long ago, we came across images from a recent exhibition of Parisian music hall dancers' costumes, and although the carefully applied colors chosen for Mlle. Gilberte's costume in this postcard might seem a little over the top, those exhibition images would suggest otherwise.
M. Toulouse-Lautrec probably chose the colors for his paintings and lithographs to suit his eye, and M. Cherét, in his gorgeous theatrical advertizing posters, was necessarily dealing with a limited color palette. So, since actual color photography, though existent, was commercially impractical, we don't have a lot of access to reliable "color" images of these fantastic costumes outside of modern photographs of carefully preserved examples.
We've included, as one of our listing images (though not for sale), a modern image we found online of a number of classic Folies Bergere costumes. Though there isn't a lot of detail in this shot, it will still give you an idea of the vibrant, sometimes garish, colors used in the creation of those eye-popping costumes.
No information on Mlle. Gilberte, we're sorry to say. Not even a first name. But hey, it's hard to hold onto fame as time passes. Just about everyone of our generation (so ancient :) recognizes the names John, Paul, George and Ringo ("Paul is the cute one," remember?), but, as great as they were, who remembers The Hollies, or much less their first names? Well, okay, we do, or at least one of them: Graham Nash :)
We found an earlier photograph of a Mlle. Gilberte of the Opéra de Paris who might be the same woman, so we're going out on a limb, and calling her an opera singer. Despite her superbly haremesque costume, she does look very "Carmen," no? And what about those magnificently curly-toed shoes?
Great costume, and wonderful hand-coloring, on this charming Belle Epoque postcard. Some tiny visible spots on the surface, but otherwise a lovely 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!