Bordeaux - Lot 299

Bordeaux [CIRQUE MOLIER - [MEAUDRE de LAPOUYADE]] A real curiosity. Cirque Molier, in "Le Courrier Français" (April 8, 1900). Diary in folio. Filled with several miscellaneous items: Invitation from Mr. Molier to Mr. de Lapouyade; 3 letters or bills from 1899 to 1900 from Mr. Molier to Mr. de Lapouyade; 3 photographs mounted on flexible cardboard inserted on tabs (one full-length from March 1903, one dated 1894, the 3rd undated). In these photographs, Meaudre de Lapouyade appears surprisingly as an athlete from Bordeaux, a weightlifter (cf. Gallica, La Presse). ½ burgundy percaline with corners, soiling. Enclosed: Menu Club-comédie de Bordeaux. Fêtes du Quarantenaire, March 20-22, 1890. In-4 paperback, filled cover, small paper tears on spine. - Bordeaux portraits 1953. In-4 paperback, publisher's pale green cover. Founded by Ernest Molier in 1880 in his mansion on rue de Bénouville, the Cirque Molier was a mecca for Parisian socialites at the end of the century. Members of the aristocracy and haute bourgeoisie enjoyed performing equestrian acts at two invitation-only shows a year. His circus became a sanctuary for equestrianism and athleticism in all its forms (here, Meaudre de Lapouyade presents a weightlifting show). It closed its doors on the death of its founder in 1933.