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In 1946, on a quiet beach near Malibu,California, a young Norma Jeane Baker—soon to become Marilyn Monroe—posed under the sun, the Pacific breeze catching in her hair.
Among the most iconic photoshoots in history, this session stands out. Photographer André de Dienes had first met the 19-year-old aspiring model the year before. Reflecting on their introduction, he later wrote:
“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!”
That serendipitous meeting sparked nearly a decade of collaboration and deep friendship. Through his lens, de Dienes captured Marilyn’s transformation—from fresh-faced model to the dazzling figure who would redefine Hollywood stardom.
This particular shoot was meant to illustrate a book of de Dienes’ poems, a project that was never published. Shot in stark black and white, the images sought to distill something raw, intimate, and timeless. He asked her to react on instinct—no poses, no filters—to words like happiness, surprise, reflection, doubt, peace of mind, sadness, self-torment... and death.
Among the most iconic photoshoots in history, this session stands out. Photographer André de Dienes had first met the 19-year-old aspiring model the year before. Reflecting on their introduction, he later wrote:
“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!”
That serendipitous meeting sparked nearly a decade of collaboration and deep friendship. Through his lens, de Dienes captured Marilyn’s transformation—from fresh-faced model to the dazzling figure who would redefine Hollywood stardom.
This particular shoot was meant to illustrate a book of de Dienes’ poems, a project that was never published. Shot in stark black and white, the images sought to distill something raw, intimate, and timeless. He asked her to react on instinct—no poses, no filters—to words like happiness, surprise, reflection, doubt, peace of mind, sadness, self-torment... and death.
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