This very rare full sheet lithographed poster of the 1909 Manila Carnival is generously shared by Mr. Allan Schein, who acquired this beautiful work of art in 1976 from the renowned magic poster collector, Mr. Alan J. Kanter, who is also a childhood friend.The artwork was made by a certain artist named Fuster, which shows the Red Devil sprinkling "joy dust" on Carnival revelers. Nothing much is known about the artist Fuster, who may have been related to one Antonia Fuster, one of the beauties who graced the Oriental Court of Pura Villanueva in the previous year's 1908 Carnival.
The Red Devil figure came to life in many of the Carnival parades, with people donning devil costumes not just in red, abut also in white, yellow, black and other colors. But it was the image of the Red Devil that became the signature figure of the Carnival, replicated in medals, program covers, and commemorative posters such as this fine example.
According to Mr. Schein, this poster, celebrating the national Carnival held from 2-9 February 1909, was originally glued to a cardboard backing, but has since been fully restored. It has been framed and occupies a special place in his residence.
(Many thanks again to Mr. Allan Schein, for sharing with my readers this extraordinary memento from our nation's history.)
hi alex! i just discovered your blog. I'm actually the grand-daughter of Maria Kalaw (Katigbak) and want to compile photos of my lola and my great-grandlola (Pura Villanueva) in the Carnival Queen regalia to show my nieces. Can I get copies of your pictures of them please? Unfortunately, the files of my lola have been lost. - katrina (katigbak) limcaoco-alcuaz
ReplyDeletei forgot to leave my email address - klimcaoco2@yahoo.com. Thanks! Would appreciate your help.
ReplyDeleteHi Katrina,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your mail. Yes, I do have pictures of your lola. She was an acquaintance of my uncle, the late Msgr. Manuel del Rosario who was once the cura of San Rique Church in Blumentritt. I have some pictures of them togetehr. Your lola as Miss Philippines, was one of the most photographed beauties of her time.
Do you have photos of the old Soccer/Football contest held duting this time? Looking for the old kit of the bohemian Club manila jersey as well as the picture of the old Carnival Cup
ReplyDeleteI do have pictures of the old Carnival trophies awarded to winners, dating to 1913. I will see if I can find a football trophy.
ReplyDeleteHello Alex. Thank you very much for your blog. I have been searching for the Red Devil 1909 lithograph for years. I have a picture with a poster of it from 40 years ago in a lake house when I was a child. Do you by chance know of anyone that has a copy of the poster or is selling replicas of it? Very much appreciated. My email is pdwilhelm@yahoo.com. Best, Peter
ReplyDeleteHi Peter, I have no idea, actually, the photo of that poster was contributed by reader who acquired it from a poster dealer in NY, whose name is mentioned in the article. He has a shop still in NY, maybe you could google his name?
ReplyDelete