THE CABINET CARD GALLERY

The postcard features a photograph of actress Ethel Erskine in a scene from the play “Quaker Song,” performed in Leeds, England. The image captures Erskine alongside her fellow cast members, each embodying their respective characters with period-appropriate attire and expressive demeanors. The photograph was taken by J. Garratt, a photographer who operated a studio in Leeds.​ Ethel Erskine was a prominent actress in the early 20th century, known for her performances in various theatrical productions. One notable role was Ilona in the operetta “Gipsy Love,” which played at venues such as the Carltheater in Vienna (1910), the Globe Theatre on Broadway (1911), and Daly’s Theatre in London (1912). Despite her evident talent and presence on stage, detailed records of her personal life and broader career remain limited. This scarcity of information adds an element of intrigue to her legacy. Specific details about the play “Quaker Song” are scarce, suggesting it may have been a lesser-known or perhaps a localized production during its time. Erskine is positioned prominently in this postcard photograph. She exudes poise and confidence. She is dressed in attire reflecting the Quaker aesthetic—simple yet elegant, with modest designs and muted colors. Her expression is serene, capturing the essence of her character’s introspective and gentle nature.​ The accompanying actors are arranged thoughtfully around Erskine, each contributing to the scene’s narrative. They are similarly dressed in period costumes that reflect the Quaker ethos, characterized by plain fabrics and unadorned styles. Their expressions range from contemplative to earnest, suggesting a moment of communal decision or reflection within the play.​ The photograph is credited to J. Garratt, who operated a photography studio in Leeds.  SOLD

The subject of this cabinet card portrait is Marie Roze (1846-1926) a French operatic soprano. She was born in Paris and at the age of 12, she was sent to England to be educated for two years. Her next school was the Paris Conservatoire. In 1865, she received first prize in singing. That same year, she made her debut at the Opera-Comique. Despite being only sixteen years of age, she met great success there which resulted in her being engaged to perform several times at the Paris Opera. It is believed that the opera “Carmen” was written by Bizet with Marie Roze in mind. Roze refused the role because she felt it was indecent. In 1875, she sang in “Elijah” at the Royal Albert Hall. In 1876, she began a ten year stint working for the Carl Rosa Opera Company. She participated in their United Kingdom tours. By then, she was performing in “Carmen”. She made her American debut in 1878 and later toured the United States with the Carl Rosa Opera Company from 1883 to 1889. She was a popular singer in the UK and in the United States. She was a proficient singer in the English language. In 1890, she established a music school in Paris. She taught singing there. Her farewell tour occurred in 1894. Marie Roze’s first marriage was to the American operatic bass, Julius E. Perkins. They had a son named Raymond (1875-1920) who was a theatre composer and conductor. Roze’s second husband was Henry Mapleson, son of a noted impresario in London and New York. Roze recieved a number of medals for her actions during the invasion of France by Germany. Upon the death of Maria Roze, the French government bought two of her portraits and had them hung in the Paris Opera Garnier Library and the Museum of the Philharmonie de Paris. Roze was a sitter in 10 portraits in England’s National Portrait Gallery. SOLD