In 2016, this 1890s-era cabinet card featuring a striking portrait of French actress Anna Held sold at Britannic Auctions for $40. Captured in an elegant pose, she wears a large hat that still allows her signature voluminous, silky hair to shine through—something of a rarity in turn-of-the-century portraits.
Anna Held and the Golden Age of Theatre
Anna Held, a renowned stage actress, gained fame in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was famously linked to Florenz Ziegfeld and is credited with inspiring the format of what later became the Ziegfeld Follies. Often described as vivacious and flirtatious, she captivated audiences with her charm and stage presence.
By 1905, Held had successfully transitioned to Broadway, achieving widespread fame and significant financial success. While primarily a theatre performer, she appeared in several short films and starred in a feature-length silent comedy in 1916. During World War I, Held took an active role in entertaining troops and personally traveled to the front lines, making her a beloved figure among soldiers and the general public. Her dedication to the war effort helped raise substantial funds. Sadly, she died at just 46 years old in 1918.
The Legacy of Reutlinger’s Portraits
The Reutlinger Studio in Paris was among the most esteemed photography studios of its time. Léopold Reutlinger captured many iconic performers, including dancers, composers, opera singers, and actresses like Sarah Bernhardt. His carefully crafted portraits influenced later styles, including Hollywood glamour portraits from the 1920s to 1940s seen in classic films.
Reutlinger photographed Anna Held multiple times, as his studio remained a favorite among Parisian entertainers. His images showcased performers in glamorous, staged portraits, making them popular collectibles among the public.
The Popularity of Cabinet Cards in the Late 19th Century
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, photography studios sold cabinet card portraits of famous actors, singers, and entertainers as celebrity memorabilia. Before cinema's rise, theatre stars like Anna Held were the A-list celebrities of their time. Fans purchased these photographic prints to admire their favorite performers, much like modern celebrity posters or trading cards.
Photography studios distributed these portraits, and performers often signed them, increasing their appeal. People displayed them in homes, collected them in albums, and traded them with others.
Auction Sales of Anna Held Cabinet Cards
Anna Held’s cabinet card portraits remain collectible at auction. Here are a few examples of past sales:
- A Schloss, New York cabinet card portrait from 1896, autographed by Held, sold for $121 in 2013.
- A Reutlinger Paris cabinet card featuring Held in an elegant seated pose sold for $68 in 2021.
- Another Reutlinger portrait from the 1880s, though affected by condition issues, sold for $16 in 2020.
The value of these historical photographs depends on several factors, including rarity, condition, and whether they bear a signature. Autographed examples, like the 1896 Schloss card, tend to command significantly higher prices.
Collecting Cabinet Cards of Theatre Icons
For collectors, cabinet cards of stage performers from the late 19th century offer a connection to theatre’s golden age. Their artistic compositions and history make them collectible even today. Anna Held’s portraits, in particular, attract photography enthusiasts, theatre historians, and memorabilia collectors alike.
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