Émélie Marie Bouchaud, of French Algerian descent, was known onstage as Mademoiselle Polaire. She was a French singer and actress who was known for her wasp waist, which measured no greater than 16". Bouchaud was portrayed by Toulouse-Lautrec in the late 1800s and was quite the controversial figure. The following sites give biographical sketches:
https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/05/29/polaire-a-french-singer-and-actress-famous-for-her-tiny-corseted-waist-and-striking-appearance/
https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-polaire
https://cabinetcardgallery.com/2020/05/02/mlle-polaire-french-singer-and-actress-photo-by-reutlinger/
Postcard has MG in a rectangular shape in the lower right corner, and MLLE POLAIRE at the bottom center. The postcard measures 5.5" x 3.5".
*****CONDITION: The postcard does have bowing that may be remedied by pressing the card between two heavy objects such as books for a period of time until the bowing is flattened. There is some creasing (Please see upper left portion on front of card.) to the card as well and corner/edge wear. On the reverse, there is a shadow of print and discoloration. The photograph exhibits some marking and silvering. This is related to the silver emulsion/presence of silver used in creating this antique photographic postcard. Bouchaud's arms are almost rendered invisible because of the silvering.
Thank you for looking.
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