18.00 USD
Though perhaps fitting from a certain perspective, Méaty, in this case, is not an adjective, but the proper name of one of our favorite Parisian stage beauties, Méaty (may-ah-tee) Fleuron (ending with one of those nasal "lettres muettes" the French language throws at us :). Follow link to hear it pronounced.
http://www.forvo.com/word/fleuron/
Most of the images of her we find were made by the Parisian photographer J. Oricelly, for whom we have found no biography as yet.
From the little we've learned, Méaty seems to have enjoyed most of her popularity during the1890s, and perhaps not so much after the turn of the century. Many images of her were produced during the time she was performing at the Caf'Conc Parisiana, but like her better known sister, Lise Fleuron, she probably traveled and performed internationally.
What is a Caf'Conc? With the ending sound of the word probably comparable to that lettre muette that ends the name Fleuron, The Caf'Conc (short for Café Concert) was an establishment that combined stage shows, and sometimes ballroom dancing, with drinking and dining (apparently with an accent on the drinking). The difference between the traditional Caf'Conc and the Parisian Music Hall is in the revenues from entertainment, versus the revenues from refreshments. Apparently the Music Hall was an idea imported by English entrepreneurs, who moved out the tables, and moved in the rows and rows of seats, to accommodate a larger audience, key being a "paying" audience, whereas with the Caf'Conc, admission was often free, but the food and drinks cost you. The decline of the Caf'Conc began in earnest in about 1900, and by the end of la Belle Epoque (around 1914), they had largely gone the way of the era. In keeping with that trend, the Parisiana was relatively short lived as a Caf'Conc, and was closed in 1908, becoming an early cinema house by 1914.
The name of Méaty's sister, Lise Fleuron, was actually Marguerite Raucher, but we don't know if Méaty shared that name, or not. It may have been Lise's name after marriage. It is said that Lise was known for her ample bosom and low necklines which were apparently much talked about at the time, and if anything Méaty was more "ample," but what we love most about her are her intense facial expressions, and, of course from this particular series of Oricelly images, with such wonderful lighting and contrast, her absolutely bizarre coiffure :)
A very nice, unposted card, with minor foxing on the reverse side.
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.
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redpoulaine.blogspot.com
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