Nude photography in itself is a raw form of art that can be portrayed in numerous ways. Around the same time Monroe had been becoming famous in the film industry, nude photography was slowly becoming popular. It wasn’t until the late 50s and early 60s that it began to be recognized as a ‘noble art’. The term often refers to photography as fine art . It emphasizes the idea that photography isn’t just  pictures but also an art form. It is capable of conveying deep emotions and capturing authentic moments. "Noble art" suggests that photography has the potential to make people view ordinary subjects into something more meaningful. Making the pictures seem more similar to traditional forms of art like painting and sculpture. Stern heavily displayed the concept of "noble art" in his work through his original approaches and his artistic vision for his projects. His iconic photographs of Monroe went beyond being classic headshots or nude portraits. They captured her essence, vulnerability, and beauty. Through doing this, it helped people to view her in more than just being a pretty face. During his last photoshoot with Monroe, Stern used many techniques that were associated with fine art photography. He did this to create a more dramatic effect in the pictures. Stern's ability to portray emotion and get people to start thinking as they viewed the images. His work elevated these pictures from simple, ordinary portraits to iconic works of art. 

All-About-Photo.com. “A Brief History of Nude Photography (1939-1969).” All about Photo.Com: Photo Contests, Photography Exhibitions, Galleries, Photographers, Books, Schools and Venues., 4 July 2022, www.all-about-photo.com/photo-articles/photo-article/1033/a-brief-histor....

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by hannah mclaughlin

Marilyn Monroe is one of the most iconic women in all of history. Her name is known all over the world. At the time, she was best known for her beauty and raw talent in acting from a young age. One of her most famous films, "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" released in 1962, the same year Monroe passed, caused a huge spike in her acting career and fame. This became what was known as her breakout role into the acting world. In this musical comedy, Monroe starred as a character named Lorelei Lee. The character being a showgirl with a love for diamonds as well as wealthy men. Her performance, especially in the musical number "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," became iconic throughout the years. The film overall showcased her raw talent and natural on-screen presence which had helped people to look past the stereotype of the ‘dumb blonde’. The role also was very similar to what the public had known her to be. The “Lorelei Lee '' role had a charm that captivated people. As well as it contributed to the public's perception of Monroe as a glamorous female figure. Including this in my ‘Be The Docent’ project is important because it helps viewers to understand the gravity of her impact on the film industry. Knowing how this film skyrocketed her career helps to understand the level of icon status she had become when the movie was released. As well as her legacy she left behind when she passed in 1962.

Sullivan, Corinne. “8 Showstopping Roles That Made Marilyn Monroe an Icon.” Popsugar, 21 June 2018, www.popsugar.com/entertainment/best-marilyn-monroe-movies-44963228.

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by hannah mclaughlin

Photographer Bert Stern was an iconic American commercial photographer, most well-known for working with famous female stars. Specifically his work with Marilyn Monroe. His most famous work being the last photoshoot done of Monroe, a gallery called “The Last Sitting” which this image is famously a part of. This shoot was done in 1962, six weeks before her death. The photoshoot was commissioned by Vogue magazine, with the intention of capturing Monroe in a series of provocative and intimate shots for an upcoming issue. Stern had originally planned to publish the photos in Vogue, but because of Monroe's unexpected death, the photos took on a more moving approach. Instead of being published as planned, the collection of images became iconic and well-known that captured Monroe's beauty and vulnerability. They have become some of the most iconic images of Monroe as time has passed. Showcasing her in a light that portrays her as a symbol of beauty, glamor, while also representing tragedy.. This specific image was chosen for me, “The Crucifix”, has a red ‘X’ across the black and white image. While it has never been confirmed why the X was added, there have been many theories. Some people think that it suggests that it symbolizes the criticism or the objectification of Monroe as a sex symbol. Others think that it is a symbol of vulnerability or even representing death, given her tragic death shortly after the shoot. When viewing this image in a gallery, It is important for viewers to know these details in order to feel emotions when looking at the portrait and have a better understanding of why it is positioned the way it is. 

“Bert Stern: Marilyn Monroe, the Last Sitting, 1962.” Staley, www.staleywise.com/exhibitions/bert-stern-marilyn-monroe-the-last-sittin.... Accessed 17 Mar. 2024. 

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by hannah mclaughlin

The reason that I offered that background concerning those three events is because it helps me to explain what ‘The Crucifix’ or the "The Last Sitting” was doing to look at Monroe in a different light rather than the sex symbol society made her into. The collection of images conveys Monroe in a way that shows her raw, natural beauty and shows her in a more vulnerable state. Not only does it show her in this light, knowing the background of the shoot itself creates an emotional reaction for viewers. As well as understanding the context of this final photoshoot with Stern sheds light on the final chapter of her life and her overall career. Exploring the circumstances surrounding this collection of images, including Monroe's state of mind at the time and the artistic intentions he had in mind behind the images, adds depth to the appreciation for both Stern's work and Monroe's enduring legacy. Including information about Monroe’s breakout role helps inform people on the level of iconicity she truly was at. Discussing the impact of this role on her public image and acting career provides insight into the factors that brought her fame and contributed to her cultural significance for all the decades to follow. Lastly, learning about the concept of "noble art" in the context of these images helps to better understand Stern’s artistic approach. Also by looking at photography as a form of fine art, people can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic vision in Stern's work. Understanding how he utilized elements of "noble art” in pieces with things such as composition, lighting, and emotional reactions, further enhances different interpretations of his work and their enduring impact on visual culture throughout history. 

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by hannah mclaughlin