His performances in such films as The Sheik, Blood and Sand, The Eagle, and The Son of the Sheik established him as the leading screen lover of the 1920s. He became ill and died of a perforated ulcer at the height of his fame, and his body lay in state, attracting crowds, riots, and suicide attempts by his fans. Spectacular vintage sepia matte-finish 7.25 x 9 photo of a young Valentino dressed to the nines in a tuxedo and holding a smoldering cigarette, signed and inscribed in fountain pen “A Madame Gonrond avec devoument et eternelle amitié Rodolfo Guglielmi, NY April 3 – 1916.” (Translation: To Madame Gonrond with devotion and eternal friendship.” Valentino’s full real name was Rodolfo Alfonzo Raffaelo Pierre Filibert Guglielmi di Valentina d'Antonguolla. In fine condition, with lightly trimmed left edge affecting parts of three words of inscription, a trimmed lower edge affecting nothing, and thin strips of toning at extreme top and right edges. COA PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
