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Marilyn Monroe, One-of-a-Kind Signed & Hand-Printed Photo by André de Dienes
DESCRIPTION:
Marilyn Monroe: 100 Years of a Legend.
Just in time to continue to celebrateMarilyn's100th Birthday that happened this summer, here is an Original, Large-format André de Dienes photograph of Marilyn, the Icon. This was photographed in 1949 at Tobey Beach and was hand-printed by de Dienes himself in 1980, a unique, one-of-a-kind print, signed, and acquired directly from him. The note on the back, in his own hand, marks the moment she was just becoming famous and her tragic passing.
The Print
De Dienes explained to me that it took eight-hours of printing and re-printing to get this image perfect, and that was why he was late to my party.
The Custom Shading and Tonal work gives her face an almost three-dimensional quality, with the eyes, lashes and teeth strikingly clear.
The Note on the Back
In de Dienes's own handwriting:
"Marilyn Monroe, August 1949 just at the time when she started to become famous. She died 13 years later, August 1962."
A photographer's own words, marking the moment just before she became a legend.
The Note on Front
The front is signed and dated July 19, 1980, with a personal dedication pressed into the print, that is faded but legible under raking light, that says
"John, thank you for inviting me to your party."
Provenance
- One owner: acquired directly from André de Dienes in 1980 and in my care for 46 years.
- HisOriginal business card, given to me the same night is key Provenance in that it was printed with an old-style exchange phone number (OLYMPIA 2-6737) and a postal-zone address ("HOLLYWOOD 46, CALIF."). Like many people, he kept using his old cards and corrected this one by hand in blue pen, replacing the phone number with 652-1727 and the Zone number 46 with a 90069 Zip code.
- The way he formed his numerals, particularly his 2’s, 6’s and 9’s on the card exactly matches the handwritten numbers in the note on the back of the print. Close-up photos are included.
- Original frame, chosen by de Dienes and fitted to the print, with glass behind the print so the note and stamp can be read. Also, Andre’s business card is positioned outside of the rear sheet of glass.
- Print size: 14 x 17 3/4 inches, a Commanding Large-format print. Framed size: 18.625 x 14.625 inches.
The Master's Touch
The first image is of the front side of the Print taken out of the Custom frame.
The second image is of the Print in its frame.
The third image is of a much smaller photo and regular print show the original image without the special printing magic that Andre put in the Custom Print.
The difference in depth, shading and clarity is immediately obvious and is a big part of what makes this Photograph so rare and special.
The forth image is of the back of the Photograph inside the frame with Andre's card at the top.
The fifth image is an enlarged view of the Studio Stamp and Hand-written note.
The sixth image is an enlarged view of Andre's Original Business Card.
The seventh image is an enlarged view of Andre's Signature on the front of the Photograph.
Also Included
This set also includes the eighth image, a hardbound Taschen book on Marilyn Monroe, showing the beach location where this photograph was taken, and ninth image, an original 1986 Sharper Image booklet, "The Power of a Smile,", featuring her on the cover (sealed in its original plastic). Both are scarce and add context to the photograph's history. Due to the book's weight, these will ship separately from the photograph, details to be worked out with the buyer after sale.
Condition
Nice condition overall, especially for a 46 year old Print, and has a slight crease at the top right corner, about 2.5 inches long. It sits in the margin outside the image area and is largely covered by the frame. It is barely visible in the first image and occurred from an earthquake in Tokyo, Japan where I lived.
I've been this print's Custodian since André gave it to me, and I'm looking for a new Custodian who will appreciate and enjoy it as much as I have.
Shipping and Notes
Physical print only; no copyright or reproduction rights transfer. Photograph ships insured with signature required, buyer pays shipping and insurance. Book and booklet ship separately, shipping to be arranged with buyer and will include insurance for the full value.
