Portrait Postcard Appraisal

Jean Harlow Photogravure Portrait Postcard

This item is a real photogravure portrait of actress Jean Harlow, presented as a postcard. The image depicts a smiling Jean Harlow, a prominent Hollywood star from the 1930s, adorned with her characteristic platinum blonde hair styled in soft waves. She is wearing a dark-colored jacket or dress, and a distinctive hat with a woven texture and possibly striped pattern on the brim. A noticeable necklace with a large, possibly ornate, pendant featuring a lighter-colored stone or material is visible around her neck. She is captured tenderly holding or petting a light-colored dog, possibly a terrier type, which is positioned to her left. Her right hand, wearing a ring on her ring finger, is gently placed on the dog's head. The overall tone of the print is monochromatic, likely sepia-toned or black and white, typical of photographic processes from that era. The context provided specifies it is a 'real photogravure,' indicating a high-quality intaglio printing process that yields rich tonal range and fine detail, distinguishing it from a typical half-tone print. The item is currently housed within a clear plastic sleeve, suggesting an effort by the owner to protect it from further wear or damage. While no specific size is provided, as a postcard, it would likely adhere to standard postcard dimensions, typically around 3.5 x 5.5 inches or 4 x 6 inches. Visible condition issues are minimal due to the protective sleeve, though some general age-related toning might be expected given its estimated age. The clear sleeve itself shows some minor scuffs or dust. The craftsmanship evident in a photogravure process points to a high-quality reproduction of the original photographic image. The style period is clearly early to mid-20th century, specifically the 1930s, aligning with Jean Harlow's peak career.