Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 20, 2024 at 1:38pm

The photographer of the first image is Avedon. The year is 1958. The signature style appears to predate the photograph. It is odd there is no dedication. I do not believe either signature is authentic.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 20, 2024 at 1:40pm

This Monroe was signed in 1958 during the Richard Avedon photo session:

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 20, 2024 at 1:44pm

The second photo is also by Avedon and shows Monroe as Lillian Russel.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve Cyrkin, Admin on March 20, 2024 at 10:56pm

Neither one of these Marilyns are real IMO. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by a pug called eva on March 20, 2024 at 11:06pm

I agree with Steve and Eric, as to both the photographs and the autographs.

I think Marily is "playing" Jean Harlow in the first image. She also did Clara Bow and Theda Bara if I remember correctly.

I once tried to sell a vintage original black and white press photo of  the Russell on eBay. I soon had Avedon's lawyers on my back because I'd used his name but the photo was't signed (pretty logical) or stamped.

The first autograph is a pretty good attempt but the "Marilyn" looks very strange indeed.  

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 21, 2024 at 4:10am

By 1958 and after her signature was increasingly spiky, rapid ands messy. The 1958 Avedon signed photo I posted is more calm as it was apparently for a friend. Same for family. Often no surname in those cases. Here is a 1959 to the doorman as the Waldorf Astoria:

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on March 21, 2024 at 5:04am

Here from Bus Stop 1958 followed by the OP. 

I find the OP a rather poor attempt:

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by a pug called eva on March 21, 2024 at 7:00am

The Waldorf is remarkably neat/legible and the Bus Stop the exact opposite. I wouldn't particularly want the latter. Very strange, particularly the first M. I presume it is authenticated nonetheless.

• ▶ Reply