Raphael Kirchner was born in Vienna in 1876 and attended the Akademie der Bildenden Kunste in the city. The turn of the century brought Kirchner to Paris where he remained until the outbreak of war in August 1914 when he moved to the United States.

Kirchner and his close associate Hans Zatzka produced a wide variety of postcards in Europe and were already known by the time he arrived in the United States.

He was chiefly renowned during the war for his erotic illustrations, and forerunner of the "pin up" girl. He produced in excess of 1,000 postcards during his short lifetime, though most of his postcards cards are not commonly found in America. His "Geisha" series was particular successful, being reprinted four times to produce a total of 40,000 copies.

He died on 2 August 1917 in New York at the young age of 41.

Today, Kirchner postcards are some of the most highly valued of all the artists' postcards. Collectors spare no expense when purchasing Ralph Kirchner postcards.

For Collectors:

Kirchner postcards can be divided into three main categories: