Italian-born actor (1895–1926) who became the most legendary sex symbol of the silent era. His premature death from a perforated ulcer induced a wave of fan hysteria unmatched until the modern “paparazzi” age, including riots and suicide attempts by grief-stricken fans. Vintage oversized matte-finish 10.75 x 15 photo of Valentino in his “sheik” persona, signed and inscribed in fountain pen in the blank lower margin, “To Irene, A souvenir of a more than pleasant association, Good luck, Rudy, June 12, 1926.” The photo is also signed in pencil at lower right by the photographer, Nealson Smith. Matted and framed (the matting to bottom edge irregular) to an overall size of 16.5 x 20.25. In very good condition, with small puncture and spot of skinning to background at upper right, small stray ink stroke at right edge, and a few small creases. Elusive and desirable in signed photos of this size! PSA/DNA Auction LOA and R&R COA.
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