Bert Stern

There are moments in art history that cannot be reproduced because they possess an irreplaceable intensity. This work by Bert Stern is one of them. It comes from the legendary "Last Sitting"—that photo shoot at the Hotel Bel-Air in June 1962, commissioned by Vogue. Just six weeks later, Marilyn Monroe was dead. What was planned as a fashion shoot evolved into a three-day, intimate encounter between photographer and muse, during which Marilyn shed all inhibitions—physically and emotionally.

The print offered here captures precisely this unvarnished intimacy. Marilyn doesn't appear here as the unapproachable Hollywood star, but rather pure, vulnerable, playful, and possessed of an almost painful beauty. The photograph, measuring approximately 61 x 74 cm, belongs to an extremely rare edition of only six copies worldwide. Such a small print run is exceptional in the field of photography and makes this print a true trophy for collectors.

Bert Stern succeeded in revealing the woman behind the myth. The slight blur, the natural light, and the direct eye contact create an atmosphere as if the viewer were present in the room. This work is more than a portrait; it is a historical document, a memento mori, and a declaration of love for perhaps the greatest icon of the 20th century. Its excellent condition further underscores its value, given the age of the photograph.