19.00 USD
Very early portrait (circa 1901) of Geraldine Farrar, internationally acclaimed opera diva and silent movie star, by one of the most important 19th century German photographers, Julius Cornelius Schaarwächter. This is probably an image drawn from her operatic debut in Berlin as Marguerite.
Born in 1882, in Massachusetts, Miss Farrar studied voice in France, and then in 1901 Berlin, enjoyed tremendous acclaim following her debut as Marguerite in Gounod's Faust (for which role she is in costume in our postcard).
One of her fans was the eldest son of the Kaiser, Crown Prince Wilhelm, with whom she was reputed to have had an affair.
In 1907, after returning to America, She performed the role of Cio Cio San in Puccini's Madama Butterfly with the Met. She was to remain a member of that company until her retirement in 1922.
Miss Farrar believed strongly in the idea of incorporating acting into her operatic roles, to the degree that she was known to insert unrehearsed "bits" into performances often surprizing fellow cast members, and not always happily. On one occasion, she caused quite a ruckus during a performance of Carmen, when, in the title role, she got a little carried away and reputedly "bit" famed operatic tenor, Enrico Caruso on the ear! Perhaps he didn't mind that much though, as they remained friends for many years.
In between opera seasons she appeared in a number of silent films, and was followed about by crowds of enthusiastic young women who earned the name Gerry-flappers!
This card was probably published right around 1901/2 at the beginning of her operatic career. Below, we have a link to Youtube where you can hear Miss Farrar and Mr. Caruso performing together as Marguerite and Faust in around 1910, when both were on the bill at the Met in New York.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YALA82msPvA
Great opera history, great unposted card in lovely condition!
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!