An actor in drag poses on stage as "Sulmary". Process print, ca. 1910.

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<p>The actor is wearing a distinctive dress with circular-shaped coil and a feathered head garment. The postcard bears an autograph message from Sulmary Bessle dated 1921, but the photograph is considerably earlier, the dress of the tiered and 'hobble-skirted' style of circa 1910 made popular by the French designer Paul Poiret. The question marks before and after "Sulmary" printed on the postcard suggests they perform with an androgynous gender expression.</p>

An actor poses on stage as "Sulmary".

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