29.00 USD
Behind the lovely nude model wrapped in a sheer layer of gauzy fabric, is what we consider a particularly unusual background choice for an Agelou card, evoking something of a classical feel. Almost every one of his images we can recall (so this is an admittedly subjective view) were shot in furnished studio settings that created a very different atmosphere.
This background contributes beautifully to the image's composition and is automatically reminiscent of so many Art Nouveau inspired postcard and print images that centered the subject of the painting or photo in front of a circular or arched background bordered by a penumbra of complex decorative devices. We hope to discover more Agelou images like this one in the future.
Jean Agelou is practically notorious for his risque and erotic postcard images. Born in Alexandria Egypt to French parents in 1878, he was active as a photographer in France from at least the early 1900s though most of his work we run across seems to have been produced during the mid to late 1910s.
He and his brother George produced "legitimate" work as well, and though we've read in a few places that George was not himself the photographer, but only handled the business end of their partnership, we've come across plenty of cards with the identifying logo "G A Paris" (G for George rather than J for Jean) and also a few marked Cliché George Agelou which might suggest that George took a more active role in the actual photography than is sometimes supposed, perhaps even striking out on his own for a time.
Jean Agelou and his brother George both died in an automobile accident in 1921.
A spectacular card that does show wear to edges and corners as well as some very minor surface grime. Priced accordingly.
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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