MADAME KIRKBY LUNN : ENGLISH OPERA DIVA : METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features English mezzo soprano, Louise Kirkby Lunn (1873-1930). She appeared in many French and Italian operas. She was best known for singing operas by Richard Wagner. She had many appearances at the Royal Opera House, Convent Garden as well as at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.2025B) The card was produced around 1905.  SOLD

FRANCES ALDA : INTERNATIONAL OPERA STAR : METROPOLITAN OPERA : ENRICO CARUSO : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features Austalian operatic soprano, Frances Alda (1879-1952). She was a famous opera star during the first three decades of the twentieth century. In addition to her excellent singing voice, she had a big persoablity. She made her operatic debut in France (1904) and by 1908, she debuted at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. She had 369 performances at the Met, often with Enrico Caruso. In 1908 she began singing on records. Frances was born in New Zealand. Her mother was a singer and took Frances along on her operatic tours. Frances performed in Gilbert and Sullivan in Austalia before going to Europe in 1900. She went there to study opera and to launch an international singing career. In 1929 she left the Met and performed in concerts, on radio broadcast and in vaudeville. Frances was married twice. She retired to Long Island, New York and lived an affluent lifestyle. She died of a stroke and her grave is in Great Neck, Long Island. This postcard photo was taken by the Reutlinger studio in Paris, France. The card was published by French publisher, S.I.P., as part of a series (No.1182). This vintage portrait postcard is in very good condition. 

Alda 5_0001

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5323

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$24.00

Alda 5_0001

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5323

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$36.00

CHRISTINE NILSSON : SWEDISH OPERA STAR : CABINET CARD PORTRAIT

This cabinet card features Swedish opera star, Christine Nilsson (1943-1921). She was known for her pure voice, graceful appearance and her stage presence. She was a leading international singer during her twenty year career. She retired in 1888. Some believe that she and diva, Adelina Pattie, were rivals. Nilsson was the youngest of seven children belonging to a very poor family. She showed musical talent when she was young but her family lacked the funds to get her proper training. She would perform at local fairs to make extra money. At age 14, she was “discovered” at a market fair by a wealthy judge. He became her sponsor and bankrolled her professional vocal training as well as music theory, foreign language, and musical instrument instruction. At age 17, she made her professional debut in concerts in Stockholm. She then received further training in Paris and began performing there. Her London debut occurred in 1867 and she had her American debut in 1871. An American tour brought her much financial success and acclaim. In 1883. she performed in “Faust” at the opening of the Metropolitan Opera House (New York City). That same year, she sang at the White House in front of President Chester A  Arthur. Her final US appearance was in 1884. She returned to Europe and performed and toured there. Nilsson never made a recording. When technology would have allowed her to make a record, she thought her voice had started it’s decline so she had no interest in making a recording.  SOLD

LINA CAVALIERI :ITALIAN OPERA STAR : STAGE BEAUTY :PORTRAIT BY REUTLINGER : 1906

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. Cavalieri’s photograph seen on this hand tinted postcard was taken by Leopold Reutlinger. The postcard has a 1906 postmark from Mexico. The card was published by SIP as part of a series (No. 52/19). SOLD