Marilyn Monroe's Iconic Images Trace the Making of a Star
A feature on Beaux Arts examines Marilyn Monroe's transformation from Norma Jeane Baker into a global icon through seven iconic photographs. The images span from 1946 to 1962, covering her early pin-up days, her USO tour in South Korea (1954), the famous subway grate scene from The Seven Year Itch (1955), a Chanel No. 5 moment in 1955, fragile moments on the set of The Misfits (1961), her last photo taken July 13, 1962, and Andy Warhol's 1962 diptych. The article highlights the construction of her persona, the sexism she faced (Alfred Hitchcock refused to work with her), and her efforts to gain control via Marilyn Monroe Productions. It also notes her struggles with endometriosis, depression, and addiction. Two exhibitions are announced: "Marilyn. Portrait d’une enfant radieuse" at Galerie de l’Instant (June 1–September 15, 2026) and a show at Cinémathèque française (April 8–July 26, 2026), plus a three-episode documentary on arte.tv until December 30, 2026.
Key facts
- Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Baker in 1926 and adopted her stage name in 1946 on the advice of actor Ben Lyon.
- Seven iconic photographs trace her career from 1946 to 1962.
- In February 1954, she performed for over 60,000 US soldiers in South Korea.
- The white dress scene from The Seven Year Itch (1955) became iconic.
- She founded Marilyn Monroe Productions in late 1954 to control her career.
- Her last photo was taken by George Barris on July 13, 1962, on a Santa Monica beach.
- She died on August 5, 1962, at age 36 from a barbiturate overdose, ruled a probable suicide.
- Andy Warhol's Marilyn Diptych (1962) is held at Tate Modern, London.
Entities
Artists
- Marilyn Monroe
- Norma Jeane Baker
- Ben Lyon
- Marilyn Miller
- Alfred Hitchcock
- Bruno Bernard
- Joe DiMaggio
- Sam Shaw
- Travilla
- Ed Feingersh
- Lee Strasberg
- Paula Strasberg
- Eve Arnold
- George Cukor
- John Huston
- Arthur Miller
- Ralph Greenson
- George Barris
- Martin Winckler
- Andy Warhol
- Gene Kornman
- Tennessee Williams
Institutions
- Bernard of Hollywood Foundation
- Renaissance Road Inc.
- The Estate of Marilyn Monroe, LLC
- Galerie de l’Instant
- Marilyn Monroe Productions
- 20th Century Fox
- Actors Studio
- Chanel
- Redbook
- Tate Modern
- Cinémathèque française
- Beaux Arts
- arte.tv
Locations
- Hollywood
- Japan
- South Korea
- New York City
- Broadway
- Morosco Theatre
- Nevada
- Santa Monica
- Los Angeles
- Brentwood
- Paris
- France