11.00 USD
Though posted in 1905, this card was probably produced no later than 1904, and likely closer to 1900. The theatrical production it represents, can't be confused with the Ballet d'Orphée set to the Stravinski score, since that one wouldn't exist for another 50 years, or so. Probably this depicts a scene out of the late 18th century opera Orphée et Eurydice, by Gluck, for which a French libretto was rewritten, from the Italian, in the 1770s. Slightly different versions of that opera, with lots of ballet routines, were still very popular in 1900.
Anthony's of Paris was a photographic studio in business from, at least, the 1890s, into the early 1930s. We can say that much for certain, having located cabinet cards, cartes de visites, and later postcards, that were produced over that time. The photographer (presumably Monsieur "Anthony") never gained the kind of notoriety enjoyed by Leopold Reutlinger, Henri Manuel, or the other major French photographers whose work we often list in our shop, and perhaps this is why we can find no biographical data on him, whatsoever.
Today, the images most often recognized as his, are probably of the Sisters Lorisson, those five young ladies with the tall chignons, who appeared in dramatic tableau images, in "costumes greques," and often hand-tinted. The images are a little over the top, and the "Sisters," like these young women, were usually posed a little woodenly. Please don't mistake us, though. While admittedly "stagey," and perhaps naive when compared to say, Manuel's work, we find these "Anthony's" images extremely charming, and very evocative of the era. In fact, some readers who have visited our blog, may have noticed that our background image is from a wonderful Sisters Lorisson card.
This Anthony's image is lots of fun, really kind of magical, we think, and in wonderful 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!