POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)
These vintage real photo postcards feature a portrait of French actress and dancer, Gina Palerme (1885-1977). She was an active performer between 1909 and 1929. She began her theater career in 1909 in France. An English impresario brought her to London in 1910. Her debut was in “The Quaker Girl” at the Adelphi Theater. This performance was followed by many more stage roles in West-end productions. Photographer, Cecil Beaton, wrote that she was glamorous and that “her off-stage appearances were as sensational as her stage escapades”. She returned to France in 1919 and starred in silent films. Her final screen appearance was in 1925. Her post film career was comprised of working in French cabarets, including Moulin Rouge. She also did revue work in the United States. The New York Times (1929) announced that French revue actress, Gina Palerme, from the Moulin Rouge in Paris, “arrived in America to appear in a new revue under the Shubert management. It was reported that Palerme spoke English well and this was her first trip to America. J. J. Shubert “discovered” her after hearing her sing at the Moulin Rouge. He offered her a six month contract to come to New York. There was also an option that offered her a three year contract upon finishing her Revue performances, to appear in “talkies”. Palerme was very pretty, as is apparent in these postcard photographs.
In Postcard 1, Palerme looks glamourous and her portrait can be seen as risque. Her ornate dress is low cut. This postcard was published by J. Beagles & Co. as part of a series (No.240A). Palerme’s photograph was taken by celebrity photographer, Rita Martin. Female photographers were uncommon during this era. (SOLD)
Postcard 2 was published by J. Beagles & Co. as part of a series (No.240H). This card is part of the same series as Postcard 1. Rita Martin is the photographer who took both this portrait and the photo in Postcard 1. Note the golden color of Palerme’s hat. The color tinter clearly was a artist. Unlike many color tinters, this one believed in subtlety. (SOLD)
Postcard 1
Postcard 2
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 