This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2022
A vintage oversized print of the now-famous nude image of Marilyn Monroe with captions on the lower margin noting “A New Wrinkle” and by “Tom Kelly Studios” while her black fountain pen ink signature in the lower right-hand corner reads “For Steve/In kind remembrance/Always/Marilyn”. Masking tape appears around all margins of the print and obstructs the captions, but not the image; ink of the signature is faded but still legible.
One of the very few nude images of herself that Marilyn autographed, this piece comes with a story as to why she may have agreed to sign it: In 1949, the inscribed 'Steve' was a young man who worked for Tom Kelley, the photographer who shot the 'Red Velvet' nudes of MM. As legend has it, it was Kelley who loaned MM $5 to get to an audition after her car had broken down on Sunset Boulevard, casually telling her to stop by his studio to repay the money when she had it. But 'Steve,' the consignor's father, had a slightly different version of what happened. It was he, and not Kelley, who happened upon MM that fateful day on Sunset Boulevard, and it was he who loaned her the $5 while suggesting that she pose for his boss if she needed extra money. As we now know, MM did eventually make it to Kelley's studio and it was here where she met 'Steve' again. He had the envious job of being the 'ice man' during the shoot and because of his intimate, yet professional, help during the session, MM later signed this print for him. Very good condition. Measures 16 x 21. Comes with a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.
Provenance: Christies 2002 Live Entertainment Memorabilia Auction Lot 21