39.00 USD
This is one of several well known "memento moris" in the surreal, metamorphic, or arcimboldesque (after the Italian renaissance painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo), style. Many will have seen later representations of this one, and of another, of a lady at her vanity, in the form of art prints and posters.
We have seen recent reproductions of this card listed as "a reproduction of a 1920's image." This card is older than that though, dating back to somewhere between 1905 and 1914 (closer to the '05). We'd love more history on it. If you have some, be a pal and share :) What we do know about it is that although the artwork was very probably French, the printer logo, "PFB in a diamond frame," was for Paul Fink of Berlin, a photo printing house that was swallowed up by a bigger company, Amag (Albrecht and Meister), in the early 1910s. This certainly helps us date the card to pre-1914.
We've also seen this card described in listings as a "chromo" or chromolithograph. Not so. As the evident "silvering" around the edges of this card indicates, the card is a silver bromide photographic print of the original artwork.
The reminder of the presence of death, even in the midst of love, is fitting within the context of the Pierrot tale. Originating in the Italian renaissance and performed by traveling players, it tells of Pierrot, his love for Columbine, and how he is betrayed by her with Harlequin, and in many versions ends by killing her. This is one of the early postcards upon which this image first appeared. From the research we've done, the original artist seems to be unknown. If anyone out there knows better, please let us know.
P.S. For a real treat, go to youtube and check out a great tenor of our time, Luciano Pavarotti performing "Vesti la giubba," an aria out of Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci," in which a traveling actor, playing the role of Pierrot, finds himself ironically trapped into experiencing that romantic tragedy in his own life. Link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW_hJLnqGoY
An amazing card, very much sought after, in nearly pristine condition. So very pleased to be sharing this one with you!
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.