THE CABINET CARD GALLERY

Lina Cavalieri was an Italian operatic soprano and renowned beauty who captivated audiences in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on Christmas day in1874, in Viterbo, Italy, as Natalina Cavalieri, she would go on to become one of the most celebrated and iconic sopranos of her time. Cavalieri’s journey into the world of opera began at a young age when her exceptional vocal talent was discovered. She received    formal training in Milan, where she honed her skills and developed a remarkable voice. Her operatic debut occurred in 1892 at the Teatro Vittorio Emanuele in Turin, and she quickly gained recognition for her powerful and expressive singing. In addition to her vocal prowess, Lina Cavalieri was known for her striking beauty, and she was often referred to as the “World’s Most Beautiful Woman.” Her enchanting looks and captivating stage presence helped elevate her status beyond the opera world. As her fame grew, she became a sought-after performer in major opera houses across Europe, including La Scala in Milan and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Cavalieri’s repertoire included a wide range of operas, and she was particularly acclaimed for her performances in works by composers such as Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. Her ability to convey emotion through her singing and her charismatic stage presence endeared her to audiences worldwide. Beyond her operatic career, Lina Cavalieri ventured into the world of acting and appeared in several silent films. Her beauty made her a natural fit for the burgeoning film industry, and she transitioned seamlessly between the stage and screen. Despite her success, Cavalieri faced personal challenges, including a tumultuous love life and financial difficulties. She had an affair with a Russian Prince and was married multiple times. Her marriages were often short-lived. Tragically, Lina Cavalieri’s life was cut short when she perished in an allied bombing run over Florence, Italy. She was killed running from her house to a bomb shelter. Her legacy lives on through recordings of her performances, photographs, and the enduring image of the “World’s Most Beautiful Woman” who left an indelible mark on the world of opera and entertainment. This uncommon postcard image shows Cavalieri in a striking theatrical pose, wearing a floral headpiece, pearls, bracelets, and a loose stage costume, with her hands raised toward her neck. The portrait has a soft, dramatic quality typical of early 20th-century performer postcards. The photographer of Miss Cavalieri’s portrait was the Gerichel studio and the publisher was F.C. & Cie,(no.157). F.C. & Cie was a French postcard publisher known for theatrical and performer postcards. This postcard has a postmark from 1907. The stamp is a French green 5 centimes Semeuse / “Sower” stamp, a common French definitive issue of the period; the 5 centimes green Semeuse camée issue is associated with 1907 French postcard postage. The condition of this postcard is good but clearly used, with normal age and handling wear. The front has visible surface wear (see light wear near top right corner of image). The corners also show light wear. The reverse has postal cancellation, handwriting, and minor spots. This postcard portrait remains strong and attractive and is in overall good condition (see scans).

This vintage Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $45.00 at auction.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236833777788