I have just written an Irishman's Diary in the Irish Times newspaper on May Belfort (c. 1872-1929). Read it here. Belfort was a singer and entertainer who appeared on stages all around Europe, North America, South Africa and Russia at the end of the 19th century.
Below are some of images of Belfort, including two by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and a poster to advertise an appearance by Belfort in 1900.
As I mention in the article, Belfort died in poverty in America in 1929. An article from an Australian newspaper from 23 July 1929 says that she lost the "considerable fortune" that she amassed from her stage career through ill-advised mining investments. It also says that towards the end of her life she had been making a "bare living" as a rug weaver. A sad end to such a colourful life. Read the Australian newspaper article here on Trove.
'Portrait of Miss May Belfort', Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Image source.
May Belfort by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Image source.
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