Marilyn Monroe Bert Stern Photos: A Timeless Collection Of Iconic Images

The Legacy of Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe, the legendary actress and model, continues to captivate audiences with her beauty, charisma, and talent, even decades after her tragic death. Her iconic status has made her an enduring symbol of glamour, femininity, and empowerment, inspiring countless artists, writers, and filmmakers to pay homage to her legacy.

Among the many tributes to Marilyn Monroe, one of the most notable is the series of photographs taken by the acclaimed photographer Bert Stern in 1962, just six weeks before Monroe’s untimely passing. The images, known as the “Last Sitting,” capture Monroe in a range of poses and moods, showcasing her natural beauty, vulnerability, and magnetism.

The Last Sitting

The Last Sitting is a collection of 2,571 photographs taken over three days at the Bel-Air Hotel in Los Angeles. The images were commissioned by Vogue magazine, which intended to feature them in a special issue dedicated to Monroe.

The photo shoot was a collaboration between Stern and Monroe, who had previously worked together on several occasions. Monroe trusted Stern to capture her essence and reveal new facets of her personality, and Stern was determined to create a series of images that would do justice to Monroe’s iconic status.

The resulting photographs are a testament to the chemistry between Stern and Monroe, as well as to Stern’s skill as a photographer. The images range from playful to seductive, from candid to posed, and from intimate to larger-than-life.

The Iconic Images

Among the many iconic images from The Last Sitting are the ones featuring Monroe wearing a sheer, white, silk scarf, which has become one of the most recognizable images of Monroe ever captured on film. In these images, Monroe appears ethereal and angelic, with her blonde hair cascading around her shoulders and her eyes gazing upward.

Another standout image from The Last Sitting is the one featuring Monroe wrapped in a white sheet, which has been described as a modern-day reinterpretation of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. In this image, Monroe appears vulnerable and exposed, yet dignified and powerful.

Other notable images from The Last Sitting include the ones featuring Monroe wearing a black wig, which showcase her versatility as an actress and model; the ones featuring Monroe wearing a red scarf and a white veil, which highlight her sensuality and mystery; and the ones featuring Monroe posing with a telephone, which capture her playful and flirtatious side.

The Legacy of The Last Sitting

The Last Sitting has become an enduring part of Marilyn Monroe’s legacy, and has cemented Stern’s reputation as one of the greatest photographers of all time. The images continue to inspire artists, writers, and filmmakers, and have been featured in countless exhibitions, books, and documentaries.

One of the most notable adaptations of The Last Sitting is the 2011 film My Week with Marilyn, which chronicles the making of the 1957 film The Prince and the Showgirl, and features Michelle Williams as Monroe. The film recreates several scenes from The Last Sitting, and captures the essence of Monroe’s beauty and magnetism.

The Importance of Marilyn Monroe Bert Stern Photos in 2023

In 2023, the Marilyn Monroe Bert Stern Photos continue to hold a special place in the hearts and minds of fans of Marilyn Monroe, as well as of photography enthusiasts and art collectors. The images represent a unique moment in time, when Monroe was at the height of her fame and beauty, and Stern was at the peak of his artistry and creativity.

The photos also serve as a reminder of the enduring power of photography to capture beauty, emotion, and history, and to transcend time and space. They are a testament to the magic of collaboration between artists, and to the timeless allure of Marilyn Monroe.

Conclusion

The Marilyn Monroe Bert Stern Photos are a timeless collection of iconic images that continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. They represent the legacy of one of the greatest actresses and models of all time, and the talent and creativity of one of the greatest photographers of all time. In 2023, they remain as relevant and powerful as ever, a testament to the enduring beauty and magnetism of Marilyn Monroe, and to the artistry and vision of Bert Stern.