Illustrated postcard 1900

Illustrated postcards from 1900 marked the peak of visual communication before the digital age, serving as collectibles and historical records.

About this subject

Illustrated postcards reached their peak around 1900, when chromolithography allowed for colorful and detailed reproductions at low cost. At that time, sending postcards was a popular and fast form of correspondence, especially among the urban middle classes. The images depicted everything from exotic landscapes and famous monuments to humorous scenes and political propaganda, functioning as windows to the world and mass communication vehicles.

Production involved processes such as lithography and letterpress printing, often combined with manual retouching. Specialized publishers, like the German Raphael Tuck & Sons and the French Léon & Lévy, dominated the global market, distributing millions of copies. Postcards were sold in department stores, tobacconists, and kiosks at affordable prices, encouraging collecting, a hobby that exploded between 1890 and 1910.

In Brazil, illustrated postcards from 1900 recorded the urban growth of cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, as well as depicting daily life, popular festivals, and technological advances such as electric trams and railways. Today, these objects are valuable sources for historians and visual culture scholars, revealing social, aesthetic, and economic aspects of the Belle Époque. Their preservation in public and private collections ensures they continue to tell stories of a changing world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What techniques were used to color postcards in 1900?

The most common technique was chromolithography, which used multiple stone or zinc plates to apply layers of color. Manual retouching with watercolor and processes like phototypy were also used for greater detail.

Why are postcards from 1900 highly valued by collectors?

They are valued for their historical record of landscapes, lifestyles, and events, as well as the artistic quality of the illustrations. The rarity of certain series and condition affect value.

Where can important collections of 1900 postcards be found in Brazil?

Institutions like the National Library of Rio de Janeiro and the Paulista Museum of USP have significant collections. There are also private collections and specialized digitization websites.