Real Photo Postcard of Tattooed Lady Artoria Gibbons, c. 1920
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1920
This real photo postcard (RPPC) features a portrait of Anna "Artoria" Gibbons (1893–1985), a well-known sideshow performer. The sepia-toned image depicts Artoria seated, showcasing the extensive tattoos covering her arms and legs.
She is dressed in a dark, fringed dress and wearing a necklace. The postcard serves as a contemporary document of performance art in the early 20th century, specifically highlighting the work of her husband and tattoo artist, Charles "Red" Gibbons. The reverse side of the postcard features a printed postcard back and is stamped "May 1922." The front includes a printed caption identifying the subject as "Artoria" and indicating she was "Tattooed by Chas.
W. Gibbons." Measuring 5 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches (14 by 8.9 cm), this item represents an authentic historical photograph reproduced in the postcard format common to the era, offering a clear visual record of professional tattooed performers in Los Angeles during the early 1920s.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Type
- Real photo postcard (RPPC)
- Dimensions
- 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (14 x 8.9 cm.)
Technical characteristics
- Printing
- printed postcard back
Design
- Obverse
- Portrait of Artoria Gibbons
- Reverse
- Stamped May 1922
- Inscriptions
- ARTORIA, TATTOOED BY CHAS. W. GIBBONS
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Charles "Red" Gibbons
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.