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The printed Spanish caption identifies Antonio Montes and states that he was born in Seville, first fought in Madrid in 1899, and took the alternativa that same year. The card incorrectly gives his birth year as 1871; modern biographical references place his birth in Seville’s Triana district on December 20, 1876.
Montes became especially celebrated in Mexico and is remembered as an influential precursor to the revolutionary bullfighting style of Juan Belmonte. He was mortally wounded by the bull Matajacas while performing in Mexico City on January 13, 1907, and died four days later.
The postcard was mailed from Seville, Spain, to Geneva, Switzerland, in October 1904. It retains its original red 10-céntimos King Alfonso XIII postage stamp, Seville cancellation, and Geneva receiving postmark dated October 21, 1904. A handwritten Spanish message and address appear on the reverse.
Condition:
Poor to fair antique condition. A large portion of the lower-left corner is missing, affecting the blank margin and part of the handwritten notation beneath the caption. The corresponding lower-right corner on the reverse is also absent. Additional condition issues include heavy age toning, discoloration, foxing, surface soiling, edge and corner wear, small creases, and handling marks. The image and printed identification remain substantially complete. Postally used with its original stamp and clear postal markings. Please examine all photographs carefully.
Item Specifics:
- Type: Printed Postcard
- Postcard Size: Standard
- Era: Divided Back, 1907–1915
- Date Posted: October 1904
- Subject: Antonio Montes Vico
- Occupation: Matador / Bullfighter
- City of Origin: Seville
- Region: Andalusia
- Country: Spain
- Destination: Geneva, Switzerland
- Theme: Bullfighting, Sports, Spanish Culture, Famous People
- Clothing: Traje de Luces and Montera
- Features: Black and White, Divided Back, Handwritten Message
- Language: Spanish
- Postage Condition: Posted
- Stamp: Spain 10-Céntimos King Alfonso XIII
- Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
- Number of Items: 1
- Condition Detail: Corner Missing
Keywords:
Antonio Montes postcard, Antonio Montes Vico, Spanish bullfighter, matador postcard, antique bullfighting, torero postcard, traje de luces, montera hat, Seville Spain, Sevilla torero, Triana Seville, Spanish sports history, corrida de toros, tauromachia, 1904 postcard, Geneva Switzerland, Spain postal history, Alfonso XIII stamp, 10 centimos stamp, postally used, damaged postcard, corner missing
