14.00USD
Amazing curls! Particularly charming image of Reta Walter, who was probably best known for her performances with the Berlin Comische Opera Company in the title role of the hugely popular opera, Mignon, the tale of a tragic Gypsy girl that captured and held the collective imagination of Europe for some decades.
Mlle. Walter, though any real biographical material is very difficult to come across, was apparently the victim of very real tragedy herself.
The story we've found on a number of blog sites, though we've yet to find one offering citations, is that Reta was involved in a long term romance with one Karl Hesse, a wealthy man who at some point lost his fortune and to whom she gave financial support.
Apparently in the year 1906, the relationship turned sour, Reta fell in love with a Spanish singer, and Mr. Hesse, in a fit of rage, shot her to death and then turned the gun on himself.
We'll no doubt run across more of her history in the future, and update her biography in future listings.
Card is in nice, posted, condition, with some very minor creasing in upper right corner.
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!
And please come visit our brand new 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!