33.00 USD
We've had cards with this particularly charming image of La Belle Oterita in our shop a number of times, but never an autographed version! This came into our hands with another card, out of the same collection. That one too, was signed, though with an additional message, and dated 1906 in Rio de Janeiro. We are particularly fond of the highly decorative tambourine in this photo.
La Belle Oterita has been one of our favorites for quite some time. Though we don't personally see any close resemblance, her cards have frequently been mistakenly listed as images of the much better known Belle (Caroline) Otero, and we used to wonder if this extraordinarily cute dancer had chosen the name Oterita ("Little Otero"), intentionally associating herself with Caroline Otero in order to further her career. Well, now we know that the answer to that question is yes! But perhaps for a very good reason.
We recently learned that she used to be billed as La Belle Otero's little sister. True? Why not? Caroline Otero had siblings, we know that, so it's certainly possible that a younger sister chose to follow in the famous dancer's footsteps. On the other hand, many performers have embellished their backgrounds in order to make themselves more fascinating to their audience, and it's seen not so much as a negative thing, as some dark deception, but rather as just another piece of "theater." :)
A wonderful image, and a wonderfully personal connection with the artiste, herself!
Please examine our high res scans for detail.
The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), 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 increases in international shipping rates 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!