Description
Edwardian Actress in Costume – Smoking Pose
Signed & Inscribed Presentation Card | Goerz Anastigmat**
A striking and rare hand-colored theatrical photograph dating to the early Edwardian era, depicting a costumed stage performer in a boldly modern pose — cigarette in hand — and richly tinted attire. Presented on its original card mount and accompanied by period handwritten inscriptions, this evocative image offers a vivid glimpse into turn-of-the-century theater culture and feminine independence.
This exceptional antique theatrical photograph dates to circa 1901, as confirmed by the handwritten inscription on the reverse dated December 7, 1901. The image portrays a woman seated confidently in theatrical costume — plumed hat, velvet jacket, fitted stockings, and cane — captured in a moment of poised ease while smoking, a striking and unconventional motif for the era.
The photograph has been carefully hand colored, lending warmth and depth to the costume and lending the figure a lifelike, painterly quality. The surface bears the subtle tonal variations and soft patina expected of early hand-tinted photographic work.
Printed on its original card mount, the image bears the photographic credit:
“Negative made with Goerz Double Anastigmat Series III No. 6”
— a high-quality professional lens widely used by serious photographers at the turn of the century.
Of special note are the period handwritten inscriptions, which add personal and theatrical provenance:
Front (lower mount):
“Compliments of Jessie May Hall ‘Lovers’”
Reverse:
“To dear Mrs. Lissia,
With Love,
Marion
Dec. 7, 1901”
These inscriptions suggest the photograph was likely given as a personal keepsake or promotional memento, possibly connected to a stage production titled “Lovers.”
Altogether, this piece stands as a rare survivor of early theatrical history — expressive, intimate, and quietly daring — ideal for collectors of:
Antique theater and stage memorabilia
Edwardian photography
Early hand-colored photographs
Women’s history and performance ephemera
Good antique condition consistent with age. Light surface wear, gentle toning, and minor marks to the card mount, all in keeping with a well-preserved early 20th-century photographic artifact. Hand coloring remains visible and expressive. Inscriptions are clear and legible.
Photographs of this type were commonly used as presentation and souvenir pieces at the turn of the century, allowing performers to share their professional image while offering a personal keepsake to friends, patrons, or admirers — a practice that beautifully bridges public performance and private sentiment.
