Title:
Arlequinades No. 2, France, likely Furne & Tournier, early 1860s
Description:
Early French stereoview from the “Arlequinades” series, showing a lively theatrical scene inspired by the Commedia dell’arte. Four costumed figures perform in an outdoor setting before a grassy hillside. At center, a woman seated on a rustic bench smiles as she interacts with a clownish figure bending forward, while two other characters in elaborately patterned Harlequin costumes look on with exaggerated gestures. The scene captures the humor and energy of 19th-century pantomime performance traditions.
This view is consistent in format and subject with works by Furne & Tournier of Paris, known for producing high-quality albumen stereoviews between 1858 and 1865. They specialized in genre scenes and comic tableaux staged with actors in theatrical costume, frequently issued with numbered labels on colored paper, as seen here.
Photographer/publisher:
Likely Furne & Tournier
Period/date:
Early 1860s
Dimensions:
Approximately 17.5 x 8.5 cm
Condition:
Very good; clean image with good contrast, minimal foxing, and intact mount.
Reverse:
Reverse blank.
Keywords:
Harlequin, pantomime, theatre, costume, France
Photographer Biography:
Furne & Tournier were prominent Parisian publishers active circa 1858–1865.
They issued stereoscopic views depicting genre scenes, humor, and landscapes.
Their productions are notable for albumen prints mounted on labeled cards.
They frequently used staged tableaux with actors in elaborate costumes.
Their stereoviews catered to popular fascination with theatrical subjects.
Shipping Information:
Shipping: EUR 5 for one stereoview, EUR 10 for any number of stereoviews worldwide.