Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;charlie cheswick, post: 11069258, member: 853&quot;]AI info (so take with a pinch of salt <img src="styles/default/xenforo/smilies/wink.png" class="mceSmilie" alt=";)" unselectable="on" />)</p><p><br /></p><p>This photograph is a fascinating artifact—stylistically theatrical, possibly promotional, and signed by Marcel Vertès, a notable Hungarian-French artist and illustrator known for his work in fashion, cabaret, and film. Vertès won an Academy Award for his costume and art direction on Moulin Rouge (1952), and his signature here suggests this image may have been part of a performance or publicity series he was involved in.</p><p>The handwritten note adds a layer of intrigue:</p><p><br /></p><p>This playful dedication implies a continuation of a previous act or troupe—perhaps “The Heavenly Fleas” were a cabaret or dance group, and this photo marks a new iteration. The reference to California and “Hawaiian-Mango Cannonballs” feels like inside-joke territory, possibly nodding to a specific performance, location, or shared memory.</p><p>Unfortunately, without more context or documentation, the identities of the three women remain elusive. They may have been performers, models, or part of a theatrical ensemble Vertès worked with. If you’re cataloguing this piece, I’d suggest:</p><p>•&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; ️‍♀️ Researching Vertès’ promotional work—especially cabaret or revue posters from Paris or Hollywood in the 1940s–50s.</p><p>•&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Looking into “The Heavenly Fleas”—even if the name was informal, it might appear in niche entertainment archives or personal memoirs.</p><p>•&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; ️ Tracing the recipient “Seth”—if this was a known collector, producer, or patron, it could help triangulate the context.</p><p>Would you like help drafting a catalog entry or tracing Vertès’ collaborators during this period?</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks for the nudge, Caspar—this opens up a compelling thread. While <i>Marcel Vertès</i> is credited as the artist on your photograph, the name “Maurice” as a <b>photographer</b> in cabaret or theatrical circles could point to a few possibilities. However, there’s no direct match yet between a photographer named Maurice and Vertès’ known collaborators. Let’s explore some plausible leads:</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Maurice as Photographer: Potential Figures</p><p><br /></p><p>1. <b>Maurice Seymour</b></p><p><br /></p><ul> <li>Actually a pseudonym for <i>two brothers</i>, Seymour and Maurice Zeldman.</li> <li>Famous for photographing <b>Hollywood stars, dancers, and cabaret performers</b> from the 1930s–60s.</li> <li>Their work often featured stylized poses and dramatic lighting—very much in line with the aesthetic of your image.</li> <li>Though based in Chicago, their reach extended to New York and Paris.</li> </ul><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>If your photo was taken in the U.S. or involved American performers, Maurice Seymour is a strong candidate.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in