Hand-Colored Postcard Portrait

Fantastically gaudy hand-colored postcard photograph of the French singer, actress, and dancer known for her beauty and her relationship with King Manuel II of Portugal. Deslys' dress and feathered hat have been colored in pink and yellow and decorated with glitter. Photographed by Davidson Brothers, London. In fine condition. 3.5 x 5.5 inches (8.8 x 13.9 cm).

The danseuse, singer, and actress became incredibly popular worldwide in the 1910's. Born Marie-Elise-Gabrielle Caire, Deslys chose her stage name as an abbreviation of Gabrielle of the Lillies. Known for her beauty, Deslys delighted audiences both on stage and off, appearing on Broadway in her early career and making the jump to silent films soon after. She also saw popularity after King Manuel II of Portugal's infatuation with her became public knowledge, having an on again, off again relationship for a number of years (though she later became involved with actor Harry Pilcer). In 1919, Deslys contracted a severe throat infection caused by the Spanish influenza, which was further complicated by her request to not have any surgeries done that would scar her neck. She died soon after, passing away in Paris in 1920, leaving her entire estate to the poor of Marseilles.  (13407)

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Theater

Dance

Film

Unsigned Photograph

$40.00

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