Marilyn in White by Bernard of Hollywood

This iconic silver-gelatin print of Marilyn standing above a subway air-vent on New York's Lexington Avenue for the Billy Wilder film classic, 'The Seven Year Itch', is one of the most celebrated pop culture images of all time. It measures 14 x 12 inches (35.6 x 28.0cm) and features the artist's signature in pencil verso.

This photo, entitled 'Marilyn in White' was selected as the 'Symbol of the Century' by the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The same image was also selected by the International Center of Photography as one of their '20 Unforgettable Photographs'.

Bruno Bernard (1912-1987), also known as Bernard of Hollywood, was born into poverty on February 2nd, 1912, in Berlin, Germany. His studio at 9055 Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles became a mecca for Hollywood's aspiring young actresses. He is credited with popularising pin-up photography, and first photographed Marilyn, then Norma Jeane, in 1947.

Provenance by Christie's.