Magnificent vintage sepia matte-finish 10.25 x 13 portrait, signed and inscribed in fountain pen “To Hazel, ‘The Will O’ The Wisp,’ Rudolph Valentino, Dec. 7, 1922.” The image is also signed in white artist‘s pencil by the famed celebrity photographer, [James] Abbe, at lower left. In very good condition, with neatly trimmed edges resulting in deckle-like borders, traces of silvering to the darker areas and corner creases which could easily be matted out, a horizontal crease across his cheeks and nose. Still a fabulous presentation of the first male sex symbol of the cinema. His inscription is particularly cryptic, as the will o’ the wisp is a misleading hope. COA PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
