Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

May Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, May 6, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-05-06 11:00:00 2026-05-06 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : May Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/may-vernacular-photo-history-auction-22757
Our May 2026 auction presents a broad and carefully selected group of historical photographs, postcards, entertainment material, and visual curiosities spanning the mid-nineteenth through twentieth centuries. Unlike our previous sale, this auction includes both reserved and unreserved lots, with estimates reflecting the strength and rarity of the material offered. Collectors bidding directly through our platform will receive free shipping on all purchases.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 357

RPPC Classic Tattooed Woman Artoria Gibbons - Front View

Estimate: $500 - $700
Current Bid
$325

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500

Real photo postcard classic studio portrait of heavily tattooed Artoria Ginbbons seated and facing the camera. Anna Mae Burlingston aka“Artoria” Gibbons took the stage name Artoria Gibbons after marrying tattooist Charles “Red” Gibbons. She worked for decades as a tattooed‑lady attraction with shows including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Hagenbeck–Wallace, and various carnival sideshows. Unmarked with no photographer’s imprint visible. Divided back postcard format on the reverse.


Artoria sits on a draped platform with one knee raised, wearing a light-colored garment and an ornate headpiece that reads as a halo-like frame. Her dense tattoo coverage is visible across both arms, chest (including President George Washington portrait framed by American flags), and legs, with floral and figurative elements filling the skin. Her hair is styled in waves, and she looks directly toward the lens. The set is simple, with a plain backdrop and soft, even lighting that brings out the contrast between the tattoos and the light fabric. On the reverse, the printed POST CARD design includes separate correspondence and address areas and a stamp box, and the card carries a handwritten address identifying “Artoria.”


The front bears the printed text: Photo credit Empire. Handwritten inscriptions read: Artoria Gibbons; Los Angeles, Calif..

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Spend $500 or more at our auction and all of your SHIPPING IS FREE, buyers to pay insurance if they want it.