This rare risque vintage real photo postcard features famous European dance partners, Edmonde Guy (1903-1951) and Ernst Van Duren (?-1930). The pair are flanked by three regal looking greyhounds. If you look closely, you will see the dogs are leashed. Edmonde Guy was a French dancer and film actress. She also was a model for paintings by Dutch artist, Kees Van Dongen. In 1921 she and Van Duren formed a dance partnership. They performed both in Europe and the United States. In 1926, they were hired by Florenz Ziegfeld for his “Palm Beach Follies”. Guy and Van Duren were famous for their daring outfits and erotic performances. Evidence of their “steamy” work can be seen via this postcard image. Guy is wearing a sheer top, but she is virtually topless. Not much is known about Van Duren. One newspaper reported that he was Hungarian but his family was originally from the Netherlands. Besides being a dancer, he also acted. His first film role was in a French silent film in 1923. He played minor roles in a few films but his break out role was in a circus film called “Manege” (1928). He then starred in a film with Edmonde Guy, with the title “Princesse Mandane” (1928). In 1930, Van Duren committed suicide. There were rumors his self destruction was caused by the end of his relationship with Edmonde. However, some writers believe his suicide was related to his relationship with American dancer, Jack Forrest. This French postcard was published by J.R.P.R. and the photographer of the two dancers was G. L. Manuel Bros. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 