Hi - Request for the beginning.

Hi,
Nice to meet you all.
I have a request please. The friend of mine asked me a question: who is on the picture and what advertisment was it made for. I search whole internet and haven't found and answer. Maybe you guys could help me?
What I know:
1. Picture was made before 1945.
2. It was used by Jindrich Heisler in 1944 for his photomonage, titled "Staircase".
That's it. But what was original photography, made by whom and for what? I do not know.
Please help.
Best

Here is link for the photo:

I am sorry if it is not 100% subject for this forum.
Romain

 

Any ideas please.