MADGE BELLAMY : RISQUE : PROVOCATIVE : TROUBLED FILM STAR : MISS FIRECRACKER : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

Postcard 1 is a hand tinted vintage real photo postcard that features Madge Bellamy (1899-1990), an American stage and film actress. She was a popular leading lady in films of the 1920’s and 1930’s. The sound era put the brakes on her career and a romantic scandal in the 1940’s brought it to a total stop. Madge was a Texan. She was born in Hillsboro and was raised in San Antonio and Brownwood. Her father was an English professor at Texas A&M University. As a young child she took dancing lessons but soon, she was interested in becoming an actress. At age 9, she made her stage debut in “Aida”. She and her family moved to Denver, Colorado. She met Carlos Bellamy there and the two married. When Madge decided to leave the state to pursue acting, her marriage ended. Madge went to New York City and worked on Broadway as a dancer. In 1919, she replaced Helen Hayes in Broadway’s “Dear Brutus”, opposite actor, William Gillette. Her career took off thereafter. In 1920, Madge appeared in her first film as a supporting actress to Geraldine Farrar. She then signed a contract with the Triangle Film Corporation. Her “breakout role” was as the title character in Lorna Doone (1922). In 1924 she signed a film contract with Fox Film Corporation. She stayed there five years and during that time she appeared in two films for film director, John Ford. In 1925, she began to have difficulties with fox executives. In 1928, she appeared in Fox’s first talking film, “Mother Knows Best”. In 1928, she married for a second time. The marriage lasted 3 days before she and her husband separated. By 1929, Bellamy’s career entered a tail-spin. She had made poor choices out of her unbridled anger. Fan magazines gave her the nickname of “Miss Firecracker” due to her temperament. In 1929, she also quit her contract with Fox, right after they bought the rights to make a film out of Broadway play. The vehicle was bought with a plan to have Madge be it’s star. Bellamy later admitted she quit over money and added “I got too big for my britches”. She didn’t work again until 1932. She accepted roles in “Poverty Row” (B-movies) films. One of these films was “White Zombie” (1932) in which she appeared opposite Bela Lugosi. Her performance received many poor reviews from film critics. By 1940, Madge basically had no film career. However, she wasn’t done with drama. She was arrested after firing three shots from  a .32 caliber revolver at her former lover of five years. The incident was premeditated. She was angry at her intended victim because he married a model shortly after ending their affair. Fortunately, her aim was poor and she missed. The only casualty was her ex boyfriend’s car which took a couple of shots into it’s body. Bellamy pleaded guilty to a lesser charge (violating gun laws), and received a suspended six month sentence and probation. Madge Bellamy’s IMDb filmography reports 61 credits between 1920 and 1945. This vintage postcard is provocative. This postcard is risque for it’s era. She is showing a lot of bare skin. The postcard was published while Madge was under contract with Fox. Therefore, the postcard is from before 1929. The card was published by J. Beagles and is part of the “Famous Cinema Star Series” (No.210P). (SOLD)

Postcard 2 offers another risque view of Madge Bellamy. Her alluring pose and short skirt qualifies this postcard to be considered provocative. This card was produced while Madge was under contract with Fox Films, sometime before 1929. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.3907/2). The postcard is in very good condition (see scans).

Postcard 3 is quite provocative. There are shades of Lady Godiva in this photograph. Miss Bellamy is pretty and scantily dressed. This postcard is risque for it’s era. The postcard was published while Madge was under contract with Fox. Therefore, the postcard is from before 1929. The card was published by Alfred Noyer and is part of the “Les Vedettes de Cinema” (The Stars of Film) series (No.200). This postcard is uncommon. (SOLD)

Postcard 4 is uncommon and provocative. Miss Bellamy is pretty and bare shouldered. Her alluring pose makes this postcard risque for it’s era. The postcard was published while Madge was under contract with Fox (note the logo in bottom right hand corner of the image). Therefore, the postcard is from before 1929. The card was published by Iris Verlag and is part of a series (No.480/2). SOLD

Postcard 2 is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $ 22.00

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236433767579

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

POSTCARD 3

POSTCARD 4

Published in: on August 5, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MARCELLE LOUYS : MOULIN ROUGE PERFORMER : PARIS, FRANCE : RPPC : (1909)

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This vintage real photo postcard features Marcelle Louys, a pretty stage performer at the Moulin Rouge. The venue is located in Paris, France. The cabaret opened in 1889 and is best known as the birth place of the can-can dance. The Moulin Rouge remains in business and is a popular tourist destination. This postcard was published by EPR as part of a series (no.144). The postage stamp on this card is from France and the postmark is from 1909. This postcard is in very good condition (see scans)

This Vintage Real Photo Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $16.89 or best offer

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336252248981

Published in: on July 28, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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FOUR PORTRAITS OF FRENCH ACTRESS REGINA BADET

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POSTCARD 1

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                                                                    POSTCARD 2  (SOLD)

REGINA BADET : FRENCH ACTRESS & DANCER : PORTRAIT BY PAUL BOYER : RPPC: - Picture 1 of 3

POSTCARD 3  (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature French actress and dancer, Anne Regina Badet (1876-1949). She was a major star of the Opera-Comique in Paris. She made her debut at the Grand Theatre de Bordeaux where she became a principal dancer  She received much acclaim for her portrayal of Conchita Perez in “The Woman and the Puppet (1910)”. Postcard 1 shows her in this role. Her stage acting led her to a brief film career (eleven movies between 1908 and 1922). The Los Angeles Herald (1906) described Badet as the “new Paris pet” and that her dances in the Opera “Aphrodite” had “caused a furor among theater goers. A critic wrote that he went to see the performance because the opera was a “masterpiece” and because he wanted to see the star soprano, Mary Garden, interpretation of her role. Instead, he reports he was most drawn to the performance by Regina Badet.  Miss Badet  retired from stage and screen in the early 1920’s.

The photographer of the image on Postcard 1 is listed as “Bert”. I believe that this is a photographer who partnered with celebrated photographer Paul Boyer, renowned for his celebrity and theater images. This postcard was published by F. C. & C.   

Postcard 2 offers a second portrait of Miss Badet. The pretty actress is wide eyed and wearing a lot of jewelry. The photograph was taken by Henri Manuel (1874-1947). In 1900, Manuel opened a portrait studio in Paris with his brother Gaston. He quickly became well known for his portraits of politicians, artists, and athletes. His images were used by news agencies . His studio became the largest studio in Paris and it attracted many young photographers who sharpened their skills there. In 1925 the brothers expended their business to include fashion photography. They worked for such designers as Chanel, Patou, and Lanvin. The studio shut down during World War II and many of their photographic plates were destroyed. Manuel was the official photographer for the French government from 1914 through 1944.   SOLD                                                                                                                                                                                    Postcard 3 features a photograph of Miss Badet that was taken by celebrated photographer, Paul Boyer.   SOLD

Postcard 4 features a photograph of Badet taken by the Oricelly studio. SOLD

Published in: on July 8, 2026 at 11:30 am  Comments (1)  
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ELLEN BAXONE :OPERA SINGER & ACTRESS : MOULIN-ROUGE : REAL PHOTO POSTCARDS

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

Postcard 1 features French opera singer and actress, Ellen Baxone (1881-1964). She began her theatrical career as an operetta and comic opera singer in 1901. She began performing at the Moulin-Rouge in 1903. She performed in many stage productions and also in one short film in 1917. She married Ivo Radonich in 1918, although she had a son by him in 1908.. He was an officer in the cavalry of the Montenegrin army and cousin to both the king of Montenegro and the king of Italy. Upon her marriage, she ended her theatrical career. Their marriage lasted about two years. This postcard close-up portrait of Miss Baxone shows her beauty. The photograph was taken by Leopold Reutlinger. He was a well known and talented celebrity photographer who operated out of Paris, France. The postcard is hand colored. The card was published by Misch & Co. as part of a series (no.35). The postcard has a postmark from 1908.  SOLD

In Postcard 2 , Ellen Baxone is adorned in a luxurious silk gown, exuding the opulence characteristic of the era. Her attire is complemented by delicate accessories, and her hair is styled in the fashionable manner of the early 1900s. Baxone’s expression is poised and serene, reflecting the grace and sophistication that made her a celebrated figure on the stage. This postcard was mailed to a young woman in Ostend, Belgium. Roughly translated, the message states “Dear Rosina, On the occasion of the new year, I wish you a thousand best wishes and good health. Good fortune to you and your dear parents. I warmly greet you and your dear parents. Your classmate who remembers you. Rosa di Barletta. This postcard is part of a series published by Reutlinger, with this particular piece being number 4 in the collection. Reutlinger’s postcards were widely distributed during the Belle Époque period, serving both as collectibles and as a means for fans to connect with their favorite performers. This postcard is a real photo postcard (RPPC), a popular format in the early 20th century that involved developing a photographic image directly onto postcard stock. This image was created by a photographic process called “Emaillographie”. It is interesting that the first five letters of the technique is “Email”. SOLD

Postcard 3 offers a close-up portrait of Miss Baxone that showcases her beauty. The photograph was taken by Leopold Reutlinger. He was a well known and talented celebrity photographer who operated out of Paris, France. The postcard is hand colored. The card was published by SIP as part of a series (no.1585). The postcard is from circa 1907. SOLD

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

POSTCARD 3

Published in: on July 2, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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BEBE DANIELS: BEAUTIFUL AND MULTI TALENTED ACTRESS (VINTAGE REAL PHOTO POSTCARD)

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POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

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POSTCARD 2

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POSTCARD 3

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                           POSTCARD 4   (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature actress Bebe Daniels (1901-1971). The top postcard was published by Cinemagazine (Paris Edition) and is part of a series (no. 121?). Miss Daniels is absolutely beautiful. She is nicely dressed and her outfit includes furs. She is wearing a large ring and a necklace with a cross. Bebe Daniels was an American actress, singer, dancer, writer and producer. She was born in Dallas, Texas to show business parents. Her father was a theater manager and her mother was a stage actress. She started her career in Hollywood as a silent film child actress. She became a star in musicals such as “42nd Street”. She worked opposite Harold Lloyd and was under contract with Cecil B. DeMille.  She later became a popular radio and television actress in Great Britain. In the 1920’s she was under contract with Paramount Pictures and made the transition to adult roles. In 1924 she played opposite to Rudolph Valentino in “Monsieur Bearcaire”. She also recorded songs for RCA Victor. When talkies began, she was hired by RKO. While with RKO her movies included a number of musicals such as “Dixiana” (1930) and  “Love Comes Along” (1930). Over the course of her career, she appeared in 230 films. She retired from Hollywood in 1935. After World War II she was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Truman for her service during the war. An interesting story concerning Miss Daniels is that while appearing in a Chicago hotel, several thousand dollars worth of her jewelry was stolen from her hotel room. Al Capone, the notorious gangster, was a longtime Daniels fan and put out an order that the thief had just 24 hours to return it “or else”. The jewelry was returned the following day. (SOLD)

The second postcard of Miss Daniels was published by Iris Verlag for Paramount Films (Fanamet). Fanamet was an Austrian film distribution company. The postcard was part of a series (no. 977). This profile portrait also displays the beauty and appeal of Miss Daniels.Iris Verlag was the most important Austrian publisher of film star postcards. It operated from Vienna during the 1920’s and 1930’s. Iris Verlag was a different company than Germany’s Ross Verlag. Iris cards restricted itself to one postcard format and did not publish scene card series popularized by Ross. The early Iris cards had a sepia brown tone while the cards from the 1930’s were closer to “black and white”.

The third photo postcard features Bebe Daniels dressed as a “harem princess”. She is wearing a two piece dress with lots of see-through material. She is dressed and posed to look beautiful and sexy. I believe that the mission was accomplished. The postcard was published by Ross Verlag in Germany circa 1920’s. The postcard is part of a series (no. 3213/1) and Paramount Studio is credited. This postcard portrait of Miss Daniels is rare.

Postcard 4 is from a series (No. 37) called “Les Vedettes de Cinema (Stars of the Cinema)”. The postcard includes the logo of Paramount Studios. This real photo postcard is published by Cinemagazine and was produced in France. (SOLD)

Postcard 5 features Miss Daniels in a beautiful portrait. She is nicely dressed and her outfit includes furs. She is wearing a large ring and a necklace with a cross. This postcard was published by SSSS sometime between 1924 and 1929. (SOLD)

 

 

Published in: on June 29, 2026 at 11:30 am  Comments (1)  
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LYA MARA : GERMAN SILENT FILM STAR : PRODUCER FREDERIC ZELNICK’S WIFE : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature German silent film star, Lya Mara (1897-1960). She was born in Latvia. Mara was trained as a ballerina. She was a stage performer before World War I. Her rise to fame was rapid and her career spanned a number of continents. Her first film in Germany was in 1918. It was produced by renowned producer, Frederic Zelnick, whom she married in 1918. Zelnick promoted her into major stardom. Her popularity in film was illustrated by the hundreds of photographs of her produced into postcards, cigarette cards, and trade cards. She had exotic looks, expressive eyes, and ability to convey complex emotions non verbally. These attributes made her perfect for appearing in silent films. In film she displayed a combination of sex appeal and naivety. A serious car accident in the 1920’s interrupted her career. At the end of the 1920’s she appeared in a number of Austrian films. She was unsuccessful in making the transition into sound films. In 1933, with Hitler in power, Zelnick and Mara hightailed it to London. She spent the last years of her life in Switzerland. Her long filmography spans from 1916 to 1931.

Postcard 1 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.1218/3). Mara’s photograph was taken by Ernst Schneider. He was considered to be one of the most celebrated studio photographers in Berlin during three decades (1900’s, 1910’s, 1920’s. He photographed many celebrities from the world of theater, opera, circuses, and film. He was also one of the most prominent fashion photographers in Berlin. In addition, he was well known for his nude photography and he published books showcasing his work in this domain. Sometime around 1908 Schneider began working with postcard publishers “Rotophot” and “Neue Photographische Gesellschaft” (NPG). In 1919 he began working with Ross Verlag. (SOLD)

Postcard 2 features Mara posed in a risque dynamic and theatrical stance, holding a tambourine aloft with both hands. She is dressed in a flowing layered skirt with pointed fabric panels, a midriff-baring top adorned with strands of beads, and numerous bangles and jewelry. Her footwear consists of strapped dance shoes, complementing her lively pose. Her playful smile and expressive gaze capture both glamour and motion, giving the portrait a sense of performance frozen in time. The photograph was taken by Atelier Balázs, Berlin, and published by Ross Verlag (No. 1740/4), one of the most prominent publishers of cinema postcards in Germany. The image is associated with a Zelnik Film production, as noted in the lower right corner. (SOLD) 

Postcard 3 features smiling German silent film star, Lya Mara (1897-1960) and her two adorable dogs. One of these pups is a dachshund. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.764/3). Lya Mara’s portrait was taken by the Becker and Maass studio (Berlin). (SOLD)

Published in: on June 27, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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STACIA NAPIERKOWSKA : FRENCH STAGE AND SILENT FILM ACTRESS : RISQUE : RPPC

This risque vintage real photo postcard features Stacia Napierkowska (1891-1945). was a French actress and dancer during the silent film era. She also directed films. She was born in Paris and began her theatrical career with the Folies-Bergeres. She was “discovered” by the director of the Opera Comique who signed her to theatrical work. Next, she acted in silent films and reached stardom after playing opposite Max Linder, an actor often considered the first international star. In 1913 she left Europe for the United States to begin her own international career. The painter, Francis Picabia, met her on the ocean trip and he produced a series of paintings for which she was the inspiration. During a dance performance in New York City, Napierkowska found herself under arrest for indecency. Upon returning to France, according to Wikipedia, she said “I have not brought away a single pleasant memory from the United States”. She also declared that Americans were “narrow-minded people” and that they were “utterly impervious to any beautiful impression”. IMDb reports that Napierkowska appeared in 91 films between 1908 and 1926. This postcard is quite risque for it’s era. SOLD

Published in: on June 24, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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CONSTANCE TALMADGE : PRETTY BUT TROUBLED SILENT FILM STAR

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This vintage real photo postcard features pretty film actress, Constance Talmadge (1898-1973). She was a silent film star and the sister of actresses Norma and Natalie Talmadge. Constance was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents were poor and her father was an alcoholic who abandoned the family in Constance’s early childhood. Her mother worked as a laundress. Mom’s friend suggested that she should try to get Norma a modelling job in flickers, which were shown in nickelodeons. Mom followed the suggestion and that led all three sisters into acting careers. It also led to mom becoming a stereotypical “stage mother”. Constance made her film debut in a Vitagraph comedy short entitled “In Bridal Attire” (1914). Her first substantive role was in D. W. Griffith’s “Intolerance” (1916). Talmadge became a popular star and appeared in more than 80 films during her career. Many of the films were romantic comedies. She also formed her own film production company. She was friends with Anita Loos, a very successful early screenwriter. Loos said she appreciated Talmadge’s “humor and her irresponsible way of life”. Constance left the film business with the introduction of “talkies”. In fact, all three sisters retired around the same time. Apparently, their squeaky Brooklyn accent was not compatible with sound films. Constance became a successful real estate and business investor. Unfortunately, only a few of her films survive. In some ways, Constance lived a tragic life. She became a reclusive alcohol and drug abuser. She also had many affairs and relationships end badly. She was married four times but never had any children. Her first marriage, to a Greek tobacco importer, lasted two years. Marriage number two was to a Scottish soldier and the couple’s union lasted one year. Her third marriage was only two years duration. The fourth time must have been the charm, as she and her stock broker husband were married about 25 years. The marriage only ended upon his death. In 1973, Constance Talmadge died from pneumonia. This vintage real photo postcard was published by Ross Verlag. It was part of a series (no.2033/1). The postcard has the logo of “Fanamet” in the lower right hand corner of the image. “Fanamet Films” was an Austrian film distribution company. The logo for “First National Pictures” is located on the bottom left hand corner of the image. First National Pictures was an American motion picture production and distribution company. The company was founded in 1917 as a theater chain. It then began distributing movies and in 1924 it began producing films. In 1929 the company was absorbed by Warner Brothers.   (SOLD)

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Published in: on June 22, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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ETHEL IRVING : PRETTY STAGE AND FILM ACTRESS : BIOGRAPH : ROTARY PHOTO : RPPC

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POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

The pretty actress seen on Postcard 1 is Miss Ethel Irving (1869-1963). Ethel Irving was a British actress who was active in the early 20th century. She appeared in several stage productions and five silent films during her career. Not much information is available about her life and career. She is not well known today and her legacy is limited to her film and stage appearances. She made her London stage debut in 1885 and her New York debut occurred in 1890. She remained in New York until 1895. She returned to London and made several stage appearances there. She then briefly became involved in theater management. She managed the Criterion theatre and then the Globe Theatre. She was the daughter of actor, Joseph Irving and the wife of actor, Gilbert Porteous. This postcard is in very good condition.

Postcard 2 is a striking, hand-tinted portrait of Miss Irving features her in three-quarter profile. She wears a deep rose cap and a soft yellow lace scarf/boa, her long wavy hair flowing over the shoulder. Delicate tinting to cheeks and lips adds warmth. Irving’s expression is calm and slightly knowing, with an easy half-smile and bright, direct eyes—very much the poised Edwardian stage persona. The photographer of this portrait was Lyddell Sawyer, a noted British portraitist. The postcard was published by Rotophot (RPH) and is numbered 7768. The company later became linked with Ross Verlag. The postcard was postmarked in 1904 in Manchester, England. The message on the postcard reads “Exchange Hotel, [Manchester] Nov 30th/04, Dear Edie, I think you will like the other side. If you have any letters for me, keep them till I return. I may be sent for tomorrow and then the letters would be here when I am in Sheffield. Your loving Pa”. (SOLD)

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5296

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$16.50

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5296

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$26.50

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on June 17, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MARY GARDEN : OPERA STAR : OP COMIQUE : BY REUTLINGER : PARIS : SIP SERIES : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features the celebrated soprano Mary Garden (1874–1967), one of the most renowned opera singers of the early 20th century. The card was photographed by Reutlinger of Paris, one of the premier portrait studios of the Belle Époque, known for capturing glamorous and artistic images of actors, actresses, dancers, and opera stars. The postcard is numbered 970 and published by S.I.P. (Société Industrielle de Photographie), a company that issued countless high-quality portrait postcards of stage and musical personalities. The card is captioned “Op Comique”, referring to the Opéra-Comique in Paris, one of the city’s most important opera houses. Founded in 1714, the Opéra-Comique specialized in works that combined spoken dialogue with music, and it played a central role in shaping French opera tradition. Mary Garden was strongly associated with this venue, as it was here that she established her reputation as a daring and charismatic performer. Mary Garden, born in Scotland in 1874 and raised in the United States, became a dominant figure in French opera. She was especially famous for her collaborations with composer Claude Debussy, creating the role of Mélisande in the opera Pelléas et Mélisande in 1902. Known for her expressive acting, striking beauty, and captivating stage presence, Garden became not only a star of the Opéra-Comique but also a celebrated figure on the international opera stage. Later in her career, she brought her fame to the United States, where she sang at the Chicago Opera and served as its director for a time. She was remembered as much for her dramatic interpretations and independence as for her voice. In this portrait, Garden gazes softly at the camera, her hair elegantly coiffed and adorned with a ribbon, while she wears a shimmering gown and pearl necklace. She holds a fan or handkerchief delicately in her hand, displaying rings that add to her aura of sophistication. The subdued background and rich tonal quality of the Reutlinger photograph highlight her poise and timeless beauty.  SOLD

Published in: on June 11, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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