1958. The Enchantress Series
In 1958, Life Magazine invited Marilyn Monroe and photographer Richard Avedon to recreate images of five celebrated actresses of different eras. Entitled “Fabled Enchantresses,” the piece was part of the magazine’s December 22 “Christmas” issue and included an article by Marilyn’s playwright husband, Arthur Miller, entitled “My Wife, Marilyn.”
Marilyn as Lillian Russell
Marilyn as Marlene Dietrich in The Blue Angel
Marilyn as Theda Bara, the Vamp
Another pose as Theda Bara. I think there are one or two more poses as Theda.
Marilyn as Clara Bow, the It Girl
Another pose as Clara Bow pouring champagne
Marilyn as Jean Harlow
A slightly different pose as Jean Harlow
1957. Avedon had previously photographed Marilyn in black-and-white. I don't know if this was intended as an impersonation of fan dancer Sally Rand.
Marilyn as Lillian Russell
Marilyn as Marlene Dietrich in The Blue Angel
Marilyn as Theda Bara, the Vamp
Another pose as Theda Bara. I think there are one or two more poses as Theda.
Marilyn as Clara Bow, the It Girl
Another pose as Clara Bow pouring champagne
Marilyn as Jean Harlow
A slightly different pose as Jean Harlow
1957. Avedon had previously photographed Marilyn in black-and-white. I don't know if this was intended as an impersonation of fan dancer Sally Rand.