Rudolph Valentino turns 120 Today, Happy Birthday

I hope all of you enjoyed Valentino's 120th Birthday today.  I have yet to purchase any Valentino items or watch a Valentino movie; however, I still have a few hours before bed.

This post features a color Henry Waxman photo.  It appears to be colorized and almost looks to be an art print of some type.  Unfortunately,  I do not own this item, this is just one of the thousands of images I saved from the internet over the years.  A classic Valentino stare!  Enjoy the rest of Rudy's Birthday!

Remembering Rudolph Valentino

Today marks the 86th anniversary of the death of Rudolph Valentino. He died on this day back in 1926. This is no new news to Valentino fans and collectors. I think it is strange to celebrate the day of someone's death, I look at it as a day or remembrance and reflection. Valentino has the longest running memorial service of any star in Hollywood. Today's will start, as it always has, at 12:10 Hollywood time, which is of course the time of his death. I am sure he would be amazed at the amount of followers and fans still exist today, 86 years later. The photo I am posting I found on a random website by an artist named Depo, it is a rendition of Valentino from The Young Rajah. Enjoy the day, watch a Valentino film, or buy yourself a new Valentino item.

Fantastic 1926 Painting of Rudolph Valentino

This is a painting from Alan Hale Sr.'s collection. I am unsure who painted this, if anyone has any further information please let me know. I can tell you that Alan Hale Sr. was a well known actor and director from the teens to the 50's. You may know his son, Alan Hale Jr. as the Skipper from Gilligan's Island. This is one of the best likenesses I have come across in the form of a painting, especially from when he was alive. This is a fantastic, one of a kind piece that would be highly valuable and highly sought after.

Update on this item from Tracy: The only info I have on this was about 2 or 3 yrs ago I was contacted by Allan Hale's granddaughter asking me info on it. I had a 1930 or 31 movie magazine photo of Allan Hale standing in front of it. Mr. Hale co-starred with him in Four Horseman, and also was friends with Natacha. She had wanted him to direct The Hooded Falcon. The painting was not given to him by Rudy. The painting is easily identifiable as the "Last Portrait" photo, (cover of Emily Leider's book) That portrait was done in spring 1926 in Los Angeles, and that was his last sitting in Los Angeles, thus why it's called that. He did go on to do more in Chicago and NY which was his last. Being that it was done based on that photo makes it impossible to have been given in 1925. I believe Mr. Hale most likely commissioned this as a keepsake/memory after Rudy's passing in August 1926 The painting was auctioned off in Pasadena shortly after his granddaughter had contacted me. It was lumped in with a lot of old English furniture in the auction. I doubt it went for much. Hopes this helps with some of the true facts behind the piece.

Wooden Michael Back Orignal Rudolph Valentino Art

This is another great piece of original Michael Back art I just obtained. This piece depicts a side profile of Valentino from The Eagle. The bottom left corner reads RV, the bottom right corner reads, "Back, 89." This is a wonderful one of a kind piece from Michael Back, who's Valentino collection was featured in Jack Scagnetti's book, the Intimate Life of Rudolph Valentino.

Federico Beltran Masses Painting of Pola Negri and Rudolph Valentino

This is a wonderful painting of Pola and Rudy. It depicts Rudy serenading her with a mandolin. I did take an art class in college, so let me analyze the interpretation here. I am unsure the date of the painting, my assumption is after Valentino's death. Notice how Valentino is in the shadows and Pola is front and center in the light. Her expression is sadness, almost daydreaming. I feel she is imagining Valentino serenading her, which explains the depressed look on her face. Ok, enough artistic interpretation, anyway, that is how I see it. This was painted by Federico Beltran Masses, who was one of Rudy's friends. He painted numerous portraits of Valentino while he was alive. Original pieces of art from Beltran Masses that depict Valentino are extremely rare and obviously quite valuable.

Original Michael Back Art

This is a wonderful piece of original Michael Back art. It depicts a profile image of Valentino as the Sheik. There is a "RV" mark with the word, "Back," for Michael Back under the image of Valentino. The image is created from a wood-burnt art technique on a wooden plank of some sort. It is truly a one of a kind piece created from one of the most prolific Valentino collectors in the world.

The Son of the Sheik Art/Painting

This is a fantastic painting of Valentino from the film, "The Son of the Sheik." This is not an acutal movie poster, it is an artful rendition of Valentino from the film. I am unsure of the size, but it is a magnificent piece.

Paintings and Art

These are various paintings and art I have come across online over the years. I do not have any information about these regarding age or background, except the first one is a Elmo Painting and the second one is a drawing by Adrian. Other than that these are all various items I have come across.