Postcard: Arch of Triumph

Arch of Triumph, Paris, France - Corner stone was laid by Napoleon I August 15, 1806, in commemoration of the campaign of the Grand Army Work was suspended on the structure on the downfall of Napoleon and was not completed until 1836 under Louis Phillipe. It is 152 feet high, 138 feet wide, 68 feet deep. Upon the arch is inscribed the names of 96 of Napoleon's victories and 384 of his generals. Cost $2,000,000.

I have always liked this postcard of the Arc de Triomphe, probably because it's a little bit off-kilter. Most postcards have the monument framed perfectly, but this one is clearly at an angle. I love the washed-out hues which give it a really vintage look. Maybe most interestingly is that this postcard was one of a series offered by Woman's World magazine. Woman's World ran in the United States between 1884 and 1940, which could make this card very old indeed. I would venture maybe the 1930s, but since there's horse-drawn buggies in the image, who knows? (The Woman's World magazine of today was launched in 1981 and is totally unrelated.) This card served as part of a promotional set offered with a subscription. On the back it says: "Woman's World" Largest circulation in the World - greatest reading value in the World. Send 25c for full year's subscription and this set of 50 Post Cards, sent free and post paid at once.

25 cents for a full year's subscription, and post cards too? I love it! But, there is something a little odd and sad about it. You can just imagine some harried housewife collecting these cards as her only way of seeing the world, without actually being able to get out into it. In fact, it's because of this that I think this card is definitely of the Depression-era. This is definitely a marketing ploy aimed at a very specific demographic, who were probably all-too eager to participate just to get a glimpse of something better and beautiful.