French Vintage Postcard Shrimping - Pecheuse de Crevettes

The Shrimp by Ogden Nash

A shrimp who sought his lady shrimp
Could catch no glimpse
Not even a glimp.
At times, translucence
Is rather a nuisance.

These French vintage postcards depict hard – working women shrimpers who are proudly displaying their nets. Two of the cards are dated 1898 and 1903.

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Shrimp are feisty ten legged crustaceans. They can flip and jump out of any bucket. But these vintage postcard ladies know their trade. They brought this succulent treat to the market and onto their dinner tables on a daily basis.

These peculiar little creatures are best hunted at night. Bright lanterns held over the water light up the surface and reveal the shrimp swimming in on the tide. They make easy pickings for the long handled nets which are also nicely brandished on these vintage postcards.

During the winter months, an amazing event known as ‘The Shrimp Run’ takes place. The shrimp run is generally more prominent during the three days before and after a full moon due to strong tides. Phenomenal amounts of shrimp can be harvested at this time. You can’t help but catch hundreds of shrimp with each single dip of your net!