Burlesque Performer Printables
These free collage sheets are composed of vintage photos of Burlesque performers from the Victorian era. The images appeared on trade cards, a form of collectible advertising popular during that time. I know, I know, you’re thinking, “Burlesque? How scandalous!” However, what we think of as burlesque today isn’t the same as the burlesque of that era. It was much tamer, more theatrical, and not quite like a modern neo-burlesque striptease.
Scroll down, and you’ll find two separate free printables, each with a different collection of photos. The images measure 2” x 3” and would make great junk journal cards or scrapbook ephemera.
If you like these vintage photo printables, you may also want to check out this sheet of Vintage Portraits or these photo bookmarks featuring stage actors of the same time period. I have an entire section of free vintage photo ephemera sheets you can print and add to your mixed-media art supplies.
2” x 3” Journal Cards
Burlesque dancing during the Victorian period, which generally spans from the early 19th century to the early 20th century, was a form of entertainment characterized by a mix of satire, parody, and risqué performances. It was different from what is commonly referred to as "burlesque" today, which often involves striptease and adult themes. Victorian burlesque had its own unique style and themes.
As I just mentioned, Victorian burlesque was primarily satirical and parodic. It often involved humorous takes on well-known works of literature, classical mythology, and opera. Performers would use exaggerated gestures, comical costumes, and witty wordplay to mock and lampoon the original material.
The costumes in Victorian burlesque were often extravagant and exaggerated, reflecting the satirical nature of the performances. Female performers would wear elaborate costumes, and male performers might don outfits that exaggerated their masculine or heroic qualities.
Victorian burlesque featured a combination of music, singing, and dance. It incorporated elements of vaudeville, and the choreography was typically lively and theatrical, with a focus on entertainment and humor.
Burlesque shows during this era were often performed by theater troupes, and they included a mix of acts, including singing, dancing, and comedy sketches. These shows were typically held in variety theaters.
While the primary aim was to entertain and amuse the audience, Victorian burlesque often included elements of social and political commentary. Satirical elements were used to criticize social norms, conventions, and contemporary issues of the time.
Despite its satirical and sometimes bawdy content, Victorian burlesque was generally considered a form of respectable entertainment. It catered to a wide audience and did not have the same overtly sexual or explicit content associated with modern burlesque.
It's important to note that the nature of entertainment evolved over time, and the Victorian era's burlesque was a product of its own social and cultural context. The term "burlesque" has since taken on different meanings and forms, particularly in the 20th and 21st centuries, where it became associated with striptease and adult entertainment.
2”x3” Journal Cards
Use these in art journaling, junk journaling, bullet journaling, collage, artist trading cards (ATCs), scrapbooking and other mixed media artwork and crafts.
If you enjoy these free printables, be sure to follow on Instagram and Pinterest, so you’ll see when I post new ones.
You may also enjoy these free collage sheets.
Terms of use:
Free to use for personal or commercial projects. You may print the collage sheets as many times as you wish for your personal crafts or in your projects to sell, including: art journals, scrapbooks, junk journals, collage art, etc. You may not redistribute or sell the collage sheets “as is" in either print or digital form.
If you wish to share the files on your own website, please do not make the files available for download directly from your site. Instead, include an image with a link back to this site.
To the best of my knowledge, these are all royalty free images that are in the Public Domain in the US. However, you should always do your own research if you plan to use them commercially.
