An exceptionally engaging black-and-white portrait of Marilyn Monroe, photographed by celebrated Hungarian-American photographer André de Dienes (1913–1985) during their famous 1949 session at Tobay Beach, Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York. In this intimate close-up, Monroe beams directly toward the camera, her wind-tousled hair framing her face as she presses her hands together beside her cheek in a playful, almost prayer-like gesture. The composition has also appeared in the photographic market under titles including “Tobey Beach Prayer” and Terry Cover Up Praying Hands Next to Face, Tobay Beach, NY, 1949.

The photograph was made in June 1949, when Monroe was 23 years old and still at a formative stage in her film career. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, she had already begun working professionally under the name Marilyn Monroe following her 1946 contract with 20th Century-Fox, although Marilyn Monroe would not become her legal name until 1956.

The Tobay Beach session took place while Monroe was in New York during the promotion cycle of the Marx Brothers comedy Love Happy. Marilyn contacted the photographer while she had a free day in New York, and de Dienes took her to the comparatively quiet Long Island beach. The Town of Oyster Bay records that the resulting photographs were intended to strengthen her portfolio and draw the attention of casting directors.

Weather played an unexpected role in creating the distinctive series. Overcast and rainy conditions cleared around the time of the shoot, leaving de Dienes and Monroe with a largely deserted shoreline. Free of normal beach crowds, Monroe moved between a variety of spontaneous poses and props, producing the energetic, natural photographs for which this session became known.

The accompanying certificate is signed by Chuck Murphy of OneWest Publishing and describes the photograph as a vintage Marilyn Monroe silver-gelatin print, hand-printed and stamped by the artist: PHOTO / ANDRE DE DIENES / 1401 SUNSET PLAZA DRIVE / HOLLYWOOD, CALIF.

The MUUS Collection, which holds an extensive de Dienes archive, identifies his Monroe photographs among his most enduring work.

The historical importance of the Tobay Beach session received renewed recognition in May 2026, when the Town of Oyster Bay dedicated a commemorative historical sign at the beach in connection with what would have been Monroe’s 100th birthday on June 1, 2026. Town officials specifically cited the 1949 session and its role in bringing wider attention to the young actress.

This wonderfully natural and evocative vintage photo would make a wonderful addition to any collection of distinctive Marilyn Monroe Photography.

Explore more Marilyn photography in our Vintage Photographs  and Press Photographs collections

Read our blog on:

• Marilyn Monroe: 62 Years On - The Enduring Icon of Hollywood
• Marilyn Monroe Photography - A timeless Tribute to Hollywood's Golden Icon
• Marilyn Monroe by Philippe Halsman: A Timeless Union of Glamour and Photography
• Marilyn Monroe Limited Edition Prints and Vintage Photographs: A Timeless Tribute to a Hollywood Icon

Availability: In Stock