Helli Series 144 (Hats)


Before Louis Icart achieved fame for his boudoir etchings, he designed several lines of postcards for various companies. These postcards carry the signature “Helli”, an early family nickname. The series 144 postcards had a small edition, likely less than 10 different designs. Each features a portrait image of a young woman, wearing hats that were so extravagant that they appear more like head-dresses. Although simple lithographs, the original etchings are lost to history. These postcards are extremely rare, and completing a full set could be nearly impossible. Collectors are only aware of five designs, and date them by postal marks to 1911.


Rear of series 144 postcards