Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-24 11:00:00 2026-06-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/june-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-23574
Our June 2026 auction presents a focused and exceptional selection of historical photographs spanning the 1840s through the early twentieth century, with unusual depth in named subjects, rare formats, and documented provenance anchored by strong vernacular material that rewards close looking.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 555

RPPC, Nude Woman Reclining on Crescent Moon

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $5,000
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
An unidentified nude woman reclines on a large crescent moon prop against a dark circular backdrop in this real photo post card, catalog numbered "K34" in the lower right corner of the image. The divided-back format with "Correspondence / Address Only" text is consistent with postcard production of the 1907 to 1915 period. No photographer or publisher imprint appears, and the reverse is blank and unmailed.

The woman reclines in a three-quarter pose with her torso turned toward the camera, smiling broadly, her dark curly hair loose around her shoulders. She rests within the upward curve of the crescent, one hand on her raised knee and the other at the tip of the moon prop, her feet extending beyond the lower point. The image is printed as a halftone reproduction on postcard stock rather than as a photographic print, indicating commercial mass production. The dark circular element behind the crescent suggests a full disc backdrop intended to evoke a night sky.

The crescent moon as a prop for nude and semi-nude figure studies was a recurring motif in European and American novelty postcard production of the early twentieth century, drawing on theatrical and allegorical traditions linking the female figure with lunar imagery. The "K" series designation suggests this card was part of a numbered publisher's catalog of figure studies circulated through the trade.

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