Mata Hari, the archetype of the seductive female spy, was a professional exotic dancer. She became a successful courtesan, and after the outbreak of World War I her lovers began to include high-ranking military officers of various nationalities. In February 1917, French authorities arrested her for espionage and in a military trial she was convicted and sentenced to death by firing squad.
Mata Hari, the archetype of the seductive female spy, was a professional exotic dancer. She became a successful courtesan, known more for her sensuality and eroticism than for her beauty. After the outbreak of World War I her catalog of lovers began to include high-ranking military officers of various nationalities. In February 1917, French authorities arrested her for espionage and in a military trial she was accused of revealing details of the Allies’ new weapon, the tank, resulting in the deaths of thousands of soldiers. She was convicted and sentenced to death, and on October 15 she refused a blindfold and was shot to death by a firing squad at Vincennes. Allegedly she blew a kiss to the firing squad before being shot.
Size: 3200px × 2485px
Location: France
Photo credit: © De Luan / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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