18.00 USD
This magnificent image of Suzy as she leans nonchalantly against a pedestal provides a lovely example of the use of a plain gown over which was worn a decorated outer gown. This particular form of dress construction was quite common during La Belle Époque, and many examples of this can be found, not only in the images we share with you, but in many gorgeous gowns from the Edwardian and late Victorian periods which may be found on Etsy.
The decorated outer gown was generally composed of a sheer material or net fabric with any of a number of different types of lacework. Often, the type of lace used was tambour lace, which was a form of hooked embroidery in which chains of fine thread were used to form the design on the gown. At first glance, we thought this card presented an example of tambour lace, but closer inspection of detail images, will show that the designs on this dress were formed with sequins, a practice favored by stage performers who appreciated the extra sparkle this added. Quite possibly, however, the sequins were attached in a process very similar to that used for tambour lace.
We are not certain, but it's possible that this poised young woman is Suzanne Mainville, who danced and sang in the French music halls of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We obtained this image from the same source as another in which the model is clearly identified as Suzanne, and we notice that Suzy certainly bears a striking resemblance to Suzanne. But, regardless of her full name, we can certainly imagine that while young men might have been tempted to place her upon a pedestal, she was having none of it.
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A truly wonderful card with only minor wear to edges and corners. 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, the price is the same as for a single 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, due to the costs of international shipping 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!