This extraordinary real photo postcard features Djita Salomé, one of Europe’s most celebrated tattooed ladies of the early 20th century. Salomé toured widely on the sideshow and carnival circuit and was promoted as a “living polychrome work of art.” Her entire body was covered in elaborate tattoos, executed in up to 14 different colors, making her a sensation across Europe. She performed at major venues including Edinburgh’s Waverley Market (1911), Toulouse’s Théâtre des Nouveautés (1913), Laval (1914), and Paris’s Bal Tabarin (1914). The postcard’s printed caption (in French) describes her as: “Djita Salomé – Living Polychrome – Work of art executed in 14 tones by the Red Skins of Dakota (U.S.)”. Such phrasing was typical of the bold circus-style marketing used to promote her act. The card carries a handwritten message dated 1916,. The card was sent from Drome, France; and was addressed to Léon Florançon at a local barracks. The following is a rough translation of the message : ” My dear Léon, I received your letter of the 14th with great pleasure. I am happy to know that you are well. Here, everything is going fine, and we are all in good health. Papa is working as usual, and we are managing with the household accounts as best we can. I sent the 25 francs you asked for last week—please let me know if you received it. Write more often when you can; your letters always bring us joy. Mama sends you her warm affection. Courage, my dear boy, and remember that we think of you every day. With tender kisses, Your loving sister, Jeanne.” This message not only adds personal warmth but also situates the postcard directly in the context of World War I France, where families maintained contact with sons and brothers in service. (SOLD)
This vintage snapshot photograph features a Clyde Beatty Circus Truck. It appears that the circus has come to town. The photo was taken in 1959. The date is printed on the top border of the photograph. Clyde Beatty (1903-1965) was an animal trainer and zoo owner in Florida. His first job at a circus was as a cage cleaner. He rose in status as he became an animal trainer. He was known for his lion taming acts. Eventually, in 1945, he became a circus owner and later merged with the Cole Brothers Circus.Beatty was famous for his “fighting act”. He would enter a cage with wild animals with a whip and a pistol strapped to his side. He demonstrated his courage by facing a cage full of animals including lions, tigers and cougars. At the peak of his career, Beatty’s act featured 40 lions and tigers. Beatty was so popular that he appeared in films between the 1930’s and the 1950’s. He appeared on television in the 1960’s. 
A cute little girl with curly hair poses in a studio created field of daisies for photographer Sim Mould. The studio was located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The girl is wearing a dress wth a lace collar and has a flower pinned to the front of her dress. An inscription on the reverse of the cabinet card indicates that the child’s name is Hattie Acot. Unfortunately, no biographical information could be found about her. The photographer, Mr. Mould is mentioned in a number of photographic journals. He placed an ad for his studio in a book about Sauk County, Wisconsin (1891). The Photographic Times (1898) reports on his appointment to a lobbying committee of the Photographers Association of Wisconsin. The Encyclopedia Dubuque (1911) reveals that Sim Mould operated a photographic studio at 107 Main Street in Dubuque, Iowa. The town of Baraboo is situated on the Baraboo river. The town was settled by Abe Wood and originally called Adams. In 1852 it was renamed Baraboo. In the town’s early history it became the home of several sawmills. In the nineteenth century the town served as the headquarters of several circuses, including Ringling Brothers. Baraboo became known as “Circus City”. This cabinet card portrait is in very good condition (see scans).
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 