24.00 USD
This really is an amazing image. Everything about it evokes the era, from the subject's perfectly teased bouffant, her raccoon eye mascara, and the wonderful beauty mark painted on her cheek, to the oh, so plunging neckline, the lovely silk turban, and the rhinestone (or conceivably diamond), studded arrow that probably plays a semi-practical role in holding the fabric in place. The decorative scribble lines in the misted background are also very much of that era, very "modern," though we always think that this effect is probably a holdover from the late 19th and early 20th century pictorialist fashion in photography,
If you are familiar with the "boudoir" dolls of the period, you'll understand what we mean when we call this woman a living, breathing, boudoir doll! Just so wonderful.
As to the subject herself, she is unidentified, and if she was a well known entertainer of the time, we'll probably recognize her soon, in another "named" image. For now, she's a gorgeous mystery.
The photographer, C. Bonfort, is a bit of a mystery too. We've traced him/her to a studio in Marseille, at 39, rue Saint-Ferréol. We've found both cartes de visite and cabinet cards out of this studio from the turn of the century on, both of the "family portrait" variety, and of the "artiste" variety.
Marseille, though it was not Paris, was an important cultural center. Almost any big name you find on any of our "Belle Epoque" cards, also performed in Marseille. Some, like Gaby Deslys, preferred it to Paris, and made it their home. In fact, any images we've offered by Nadar (Gaspard-Felix Tournachon), the famous photographer, inventor, balloonist, etc., were almost certainly shot in Marseille, as he moved his studio there in 1895, and didn't move back to Paris until 1909, just one year before his death. So, C. Bonfort was in good company.
A wonderful card, in wonderful unposted condition. 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 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!