Marilyn Monroe retrospective traces her photographic legacy from early portraits to final Vogue sitting

A new retrospective examines Marilyn Monroe's life through photography, from her early beach portraits as a teenager to her final sitting for Vogue. The exhibition highlights how photographers were crucial to her rise and enduring legend. Monroe's friend and photographer Sam Shaw noted, "The camera loved Marilyn and Marilyn loved the camera." Multiple museums and galleries are marking her 100th birthday this year with exhibitions that underscore photography's role in maintaining her iconic status. Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, began her Hollywood ascent with help from agent and lover Johnny Hyde. At her death at age 36, she had achieved peak celebrity, a status that has persisted posthumously. Photographers were drawn to her like no other subject, and she came alive for the camera.