Old postcard Sainte-Baume horses excursion rare landscape

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Detailed visual description

This old postcard shows a black and white scene of an excursion to Sainte-Baume. In the foreground, we see a group of travelers sitting on a large stagecoach pulled by a team of several horses. The group is moving along a winding road through a landscape of rocky hills and low vegetation, typical of the relief of southern France. The background reveals the characteristic silhouette of the Sainte-Baume massif, identifiable by its steep lines and misty atmosphere.

The shot shows a lively snapshot, with several characters wearing hats, some standing, others sitting, enjoying the stop. The stagecoach, rectangular and elevated, shows details of the bodywork and harnesses. The composition highlights the picturesque and historical aspect of horse-drawn transport during the Belle Époque.

In the upper right corner, a green stamp is visible, canceled by a partially legible postmark, which attests to the postcard being sent by mail. The printed header at the top of the front reads: "1806. Excursionists climbing to Sainte-Baume (a stop)". This caption specifies the context of the scene and adds a documentary touch to the object.

The card offers a period patina, with sepia tones and marked contrasts. There is slight wear on the upper edge, typical of old cards handled and preserved over a long period. The overall condition remains good for an object of this era, with visible edges and corners, no major tears apparent on the presented face.

The photographic style, the horse-drawn team, and the type of vehicles represented are characteristic of postcards from the early 20th century, when tourism and group excursions to emblematic natural sites were in vogue.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Shows signs of wear and an authentic patina, visible on the surface and edges. See photo for more details on the exact condition.

Did you know? Sainte-Baume is a famous massif in southeastern France, known for its grotto, a pilgrimage site attributed to Mary Magdalene since the Middle Ages. Excursions by stagecoach were common in the early 20th century to access these isolated sites before the arrival of motorized vehicles.

AFW Reassurance

Careful and fast shipping, adapted packaging to guarantee the safety and preservation of the postcard. Professional seller specializing in antique and historical objects.

Keywords: antique postcard, Sainte Baume, horse-drawn carriage, Belle Époque excursion, landscape postcard, rare find, old French postcard, France postcard, old carriage, excursionists, stamped postcard, historical postcard