17.00 USD
Mlle. Xaviere De Léka, also Deléka, or Deleka, posing in a really wonderful Art Nouveau costume for famed theatrical portraitist Walery of Paris.
We've done a good bit of digging in our attempt to provide some biographical background on this performer. She performed at the Moulin Rouge in about 1900-1904* (approximately the time at which this portrait was made).
In 1907, she was mentioned in an article which appeared in the Kansas City Star, on the subject of tight-lacing, or what was often termed the wasp-waist fad. According to this article, Mlle. Jane Dirys did not wear a tight-laced corset. Mlle. De Léka did. And famed sculptor, Auguste Rodin, did not approve :)
Thanks to a wonderful thesis by Joseph Albert North, for Durham University in which Mlle. De Léka figures briefly, we know she was performing on stage a "danse d'apaches" routine in Rome in about 1912, and was then hired to appear in a number of Italian silent films produced that same year, before returning to Paris, where she was to appear, again, at the Moulin Rouge.
Then, finally, we came across a short obituary in Variety Magazine, for April, 1914, which states that, "Xaviere De Leka, cafe concert chanteuse, and also Mlle Lambell, comedienne, died in Paris, April 6th." Unfortunately, it says nothing about how, or if together or separately.
It always feels a little sad to us when we come across marvelous images of these brightly shining stars of human beings, but can learn so little about them. In this case we are actually luckier than in many, where virtually nothing turns up.
An uncommon image of this performer, at least in our experience. Photo by Walery. Though posted in 1907, the card itself was probably published before 1905, given the undivided back, and the fact that she is billed as performing at the Moulin Rouge* (see above).
A lovely image of this performer. 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 not charge for 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!