Lot 541
Monroe, Marilyn (1926-1962) Photograph Signed and Inscribed, "To Jean / Warmest Wishes Alvays / Marilyn Monroe," in blue ink across Marilyn's upper chest, n.p. (Los Angeles), n.d. (late 1952), 9¼"x7¼" (visible). A glamorous, waist-up photograph. The blue ink of the signature is slightly faded but clearly legible. Matted and framed to 16½"x14¼". There are a few minor scrapes in the background, none affecting the image or signature, else fine.
Jean (Snow), to whom the photo is inscribed, was a young Englishwoman visiting her aunt and uncle in Los Angeles in late 1952. "Doc" Goddard, husband of Marilyn's last guardian, Grace McKee Goddard, was a friend of Jean's uncle and arranged for Jean to visit 20th Century Studios and watch some filming of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, even though it was usually a closed set.
In September 2000 Jean wrote the details of her visit on two 8"x6" pages, which are affixed to the back of the photo. She describes seeing Marilyn have lunch with Joe DiMaggio in the staff canteen, watching Marilyn and Jane Russell singing "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" in their tight red, sequined dresses, talking to Marilyn on the set and how friendly Marilyn was. In part: "She was stunning & so friendly, chatting away & asking about my family in England etc. She pulled 2 red sequins off her dress & gave them to me, & then signed the photograph…Then she was called back to filming & I went home….The photograph has been in the back of an old album for 48 years."
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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| Realized $7,800 |
