Monaco

1950 · ref. 152546 — Monaco circa 1950 to 1980. An intimate archive of approximately fifty photographs of the royal family of Monaco six of them signed or inscribed ranging from formal portraiture to private family snapshots of the house that joined Hollywood glamour to a European throne. The collection comprises color and black-and-white photographs portraits greeting cards and holiday greeting cards. Among them a wedding portrait of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III together with images of their children and of Prince Rainier's elder sister Princess Antoinette Baroness of Massy known within the family as Tiny. Two of the photographs are signed or inscribed by Prince Rainier III. Four are signed or inscribed by Princess Antoinette several of them showing her with her beloved dogs and with members of the family. The photographs range in size from 4 inches by 3 inches to 10.5 inches by 13 inches. In fine condition. Rare. American film actress Grace Patricia Kelly became Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier III in April of 1956. Kelly gained stardom during the 1950s Golden Age of Television primarily from her performance in director John Ford's film Mogambo starring Clark Gable and Ava Gardner which won her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination in 1954. Kelly retired from acting at the age of 26 to marry Rainier and began her duties as Princess of Monaco. As Princess Grace became a beloved figure both in Monaco and internationally known for her elegance philanthropic work and dedication to the arts. Together Grace and Rainier had three children: Princess Caroline born 1957 Prince Albert II born 1958 and Princess Stephanie born 1965. Prince Albert II succeeded his father as the sovereign prince of Monaco in 2005. The family often attracted media attention blending Hollywood glamour with European royalty and Princess Grace remained a global icon until her tragic death in a car accident in 1982. Princess Antoinette of Monaco Baroness of Massy was the elder sister of Prince Rainier III and a member of the princely family for nine decades. Born in Paris in 1920 to Princess Charlotte Duchess of Valentinois and Count Pierre de Polignac and a granddaughter of the reigning Prince Louis II she grew up between Paris and the Monegasque court and was a familiar figure in the social life of the principality. In later life she was known above all for her devotion to animals keeping a large household of dogs and cats at her home along the coast and lending her name to the cause of animal welfare in Monaco. She was the aunt of Prince Albert II Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie and died in 2011 at the age of ninety at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre. unknown