André de Dienes, Hungarian-born American photographer, maintained a unique collaboration with Marilyn Monroe for nearly a decade. He captured intimate moments with one of America’s most prolific stars throughout various stages of her life—from her humble beginnings as Norma Jeane Baker at just 19 years old, all the way to the icon Marilyn Monroe, that the world came to love in fame and glamour. Indeed, Dienes’ photographs of Marilyn Monroe remain some of his most acclaimed work and some of her most enduring images.
Marilyn Monroe by André de Dienes, 1946
Marilyn Monroe by André de Dienes, 1949
"...it was as if a miracle had happened to me. Norma Jeane seemed to be like an angel. I could hardly believe it for a few moments. An earthly, sexy-looking angel! Sent expressly for me!”
-André de Dienes on his first time meeting Marilyn
Marilyn Monroe by André de Dienes, 1949
Marilyn Monroe by André de Dienes, 1953
About André de Dienes
Born in 1913 in Transylvania, Dienes sought more for himself than his difficult upbringing and eventually emigrated to Paris in 1933, where he began his photography career in earnest. While in Paris, Dienes landed a job as a photographer for the Communist newspaper L’Humanité, before transitioning to fashion photography through various Parisian couturiers. By 1938, Dienes had connected with Arnold Gingrich, editor and co-founder of Esquire magazine, who helped him move to New York City.
Once in NYC, Dienes continued to work in the realm of print editorial photography, publishing frequently in Vogue, Esquire, and Life magazines. Despite his success as an editorial photographer, it was in New York City that Dienes began to desire more creative fulfilment from his work, delving into artistic personal projects that allowed him to experiment outside of the confines of his editorial career.
After his relocation to California, André de Dienes met the aspiring 19-year-old Marilyn (then known as Norma Jeane Baker) in 1945, sparking their nearly a decade-long collaboration and friendship. During this period, Dienes documented Marilyn’s life from her earliest modelling shoots to her rise to stardom. He also explored new photographic techniques and photographed other iconic movie stars.
André de Dienes died in his beloved Hollywood, at the age of 71 on April 11, 1985.
Marilyn Monroe by André de Dienes, 1949
All photographs in this exhibition are available to purchase. Please contact Elliott Gallery for further information.