Rare Last Photoshoot of marilyn Monroe by Bert Stern on Display in Italy
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A collection of seventeen photographs from Marilyn Monroe‘s final professional photoshoot with Bert Stern is currently on exhibit at Spazia Gallery in Minerbio, Italy. Taken just days before her death in 1962 for Vogue magazine, “The Last Sitting” offers a poignant and intimate glimpse into the actress’s final days, revealing a complex interplay of vulnerability and confidence. The exhibition,a collaboration between the Bert Stern Trust and Paci Contemporary,runs by appointment until February 8,2025. https://www.galleriaspazia.com/
The Story Behind “The Last Sitting”
Bert Stern, a highly successful commercial photographer known for his work with Smirnoff vodka and Vogue in the 1960s, was commissioned by the magazine to photograph Monroe for a story that ultimately wasn’t used in its entirety at the time. https://www.bertstern.com/the-last-sitting/ The photoshoot took place over three days at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles.
The resulting images are notable not only for being monroe’s last professional photoshoot but also for their raw emotionality. Stern allowed Monroe to express a range of emotions, capturing her playful side alongside moments of quiet introspection and sensuality. The photographs reveal a woman grappling with inner turmoil,yet maintaining a captivating presence.
Collaborative Artistic Process
What sets “The Last Sitting” apart is the collaborative nature of its creation. Stern and Monroe actively participated in manipulating the negatives,adding hand-painted veils of color,brushstrokes,and markings. These artistic interventions, made directly onto the negatives, add layers of depth and complexity to the images, reflecting a shared creative vision. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/marilyn-monroe-bert-stern-last-sitting-180976639/
Bert Stern’s Legacy and the Exhibition Details
Bert Stern (1929-2013) was a meaningful figure in 20th-century photography, known for his innovative advertising campaigns and fashion work. “The Last Sitting” remains one of his most iconic and enduring projects. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bert-Stern
Exhibition Details:
* Location: Spazia Gallery, Villa Paleotti Isolani (via Savena Superiore 15, Minerbio), Italy
* Dates: On display by appointment until February 8, 2025.
* Contact: info@galleriaspazia.com
* Accompanying Publication: A volume published by Dario Cimorelli Editore accompanies the exhibition.
Primary Keyword: Marilyn Monroe
Secondary Keywords: Bert Stern, The Last Sitting, Photography Exhibition, Vogue Magazine, Hotel Bel-Air, Spazia Gallery, Italian Art Exhibition, Celebrity Photography, 1960s Photography, Marilyn Monroe Photoshoot.