In the quiet morning of October 15, 1917, in Vincennes, France, the world watched as one of history’s most enigmatic figures met her end. Mata Hari, born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, the Dutch dancer who had captivated Europe with her beauty, charm, and mystery, was about to be executed. Accused of spying for Germany during World War I, her guilt has remained a subject of debate for over a century—but on that day, she became a symbol of betrayal. In the first photograph, she takes a final sip of cognac, her hands bound to the post. Even in the shadow of death, she refuses a blindfold, facing her fate with calmness and courage. Her eyes, once so full of performance and intrigue, are now steady, unflinching, daring the world to witness her final act. Moments later, the firing squad opens fire. The second photograph captures the aftermath, as the officer in charge steps forward to verify the death of a woman who had lived at the intersection of seduction, espionage, and politics. Mata Hari’s story lingers—not just as a tale of war and espionage, but as a haunting reminder of how myth, rumor, and history intertwine. Beauty, scandal, and secrecy—her name still evokes fascination, a life lived dangerously until the very end. Mata Hari: dancer, spy, legend. Death could not erase her story