[SPIRIT PHOTO]. CARRIERE, Eva (Marthe Beraud, 1886–1943). Spirit Photograph with Ectoplasm. Early 20th century. Silver gelatin photograph on Agfa photo paper depicting the medium with an ectoplasm apparition above her head. From a series of “flashlight" photos taken by psychic investigator Albert von Schrenck-Notzing during a séance. 4 3/8 x 2 7/8". Slight silvering, else very good.
Eva C. was a fraudulent medium investigated by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Harry Houdini, Albert von Schrenck-Notzing, and others. She claimed to have gained psychic powers following the death of her fiancé. Eva C.'s seances have been described as erotic and pornographic, as she was known run around in the nude, engage in sexual acts with her audience, and eroticize aspects of the seance with her companion Juliette Bisson.