This vintage real photo postcard features a pretty woman applying lipstick in front of a large mirror. The woman is wearing a negligee. It is uncertain whether she is getting ready to go to bed with a lover, or if she is just getting dressed and applying make-up upon rising. This risque photograph was taken by Julian Mandel (1872-1935). He was one of the most famous photographers of female nudes during the early twentieth century. He worked in Paris, France and his photographs became well known in the 1910’s through the 1930’s. His images were published by such firms as Alfred Noyer, Les Studios, P-C Paris, and the Neue Photographische Gesellschaft (NPG). Mandel produced many erotic postcards. He photographed his models indoors as well as outdoors. He often posed his models in classical poses and he was a master at utilizing toning and soft lighting. It is reported that Mandel participated in the German avant-garde (new age outdoor) movement. Mandel, as well as other photographers of nude models, produced photographs that were postcard sized, but never meant to be sent through the mail. In fact, it was illegal to post these nude images. These nude photographs tended to be privately collected. Although Mandel listed his name on his nude photographs, most photographers chose to remain anonymous. Experts compare Mandel’s work to that of photographer Julian Walery, another avant-garde artist who was known for his deco style nudes produced in the 1920’s. A photograph of Mandel can be seen below. This postcard was published by well known photographer Alfred Noyer. The celebrated photographer supervised a large photo studio in Paris. The Noyer Studio operated from 1910 until the 1940’s. Many of the postcards he produced of women were nudes or risque images. Some of his postcards list his name, while others are simply marked “AN”.
POSTCARD 1
