At the Pool With Pola and Friends

This is a great candid set of photos from 1926 of Rudy, Pola Negri and some friends having what looks to be a pool party.  The photos are a bit blurry; however, it may be appropriate as they appear in some to be a bit "blurry" themselves.  It's great to see these candid photos of Rudy having a good time, post Natasha.

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.

Rudolph Valentino and Pola Negri First Prize...500th Post and 1 Year Anniversary of this Blog!

Well, this is my 500th post, it is also the one year anniversary of this blog. I started this blog of Rudolph Valentino Collectibles one year ago today as a way to showcase various Valentino items. It is a long story how I became a Valentino fan, I will save that for another time. But, once I started getting more and more interested in Valentino, I came across the book, "The Intimate Life of Rudolph Valentino," by Jack Scagnetti. In the back of the book were photos of Michael Back's collection. I thought is was so interesting to have a collection of Valentino items, I began my own. I used Scagnetti's book as a guide to see exactly what was out there. I always thought it would be nice for collectors and fans to be able to see photos of various items that existed, thus this blog was born. I truly appreciate all of the kind and gracious feedback and input from all of you. Along with all that follow this blog. I truly enjoy being a Valentino fan and collector, and I really enjoy working on this blog as often as I can. Thank you all so much for being a part of it!

Now, a special post for #500. In 1926 Valentino and Pola Negri attended a costume party. Valentino wore his suit of lights from Blood and Sand, Pola went as a Spanish Dancer of sorts. The couple won first prize at the party. The first prize gift was this pair of sterling silver goblets that have the following engraved in both, Rudolph Valentino, Pola Negri, 1926. These goblets are truly a one of a kind set and would be invaluable to any collector.