26.00 USD
In terms of the Russian Theater, this magnificent card is an important historical artifact for a number of reasons.
The play, Anatema, was written by Leonid Andreyev, a greatly loved writer, and close friend of Maxim Gorky.
Its story cast Russian Jews in a particularly sympathetic light, which amidst the political turmoil of the time, during which antisemitism was rife, helped pave the way for improved state relations with Russia's Jews and mold the future of Russia politically.
The play was produced at the Moscow Art Theater, which Constantin Stanislavski (one of the foremost fathers of modern Russian theater) helped to found in 1898.
Actor, Vasily Ivanovich Kachalov, pictured on our card, was one of Stanislavski's most favored students. He made his debut at the Moscow Art Theater in 1900, playing the part of Tsar Berendey in Ostorovski's "The Snow Maiden," directed by Stanislavski himself.
Stanislavski's wife, Maria Lilina, who played the part of the Snow Maiden, fell in love with Kachalov during the play's production, and reportedly had an affair with him. Nine years later, however, Kachalov was still performing at the Moscow Art Theater, and Maria Lilina remained Stanislavski's lifelong companion, so apparently everything worked out for the three in the long run.
Finally, we are including as one of our listing images (though obviously not for sale) a drawing by Kazimir Severinovich Malevich, the famous avant-garde painter, who rather clearly, worked from this very image when composing his portrait of Kachalov.
Very nice, unposted condition on this card.
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, 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 sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.
And please come visit our blog at:
redpoulaine.blogspot.com
where we occasionally 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.