Marilyn Monroe with Dumbbells by Philippe Halsman

This lovely silver gelatin print of Marilyn working out with dumbbells in her apartment is a typically exquisite candid image from an artist many regard as one of the greatest photographers of all time. It measures 9-7/8 x 12-7/8 inches (21.5 x 32.7cm). 

This photo, entitled ‘Marilyn with Dumbbells’, originally taken in 1952, was officially reprinted by Halsman’s Estate in 1981, two years after the artist’s death. It is editioned '86/250' in ink and features Halsman’s copyright stamp on verso. The print shows lightly bumped corners but otherwise remains in good condition.

Halsman recalls: 'On the floor were two dumbbells. 'Are you using them?', I asked. 'Yes', she (Marilyn) replied. 'I'm fighting gravity.'

Phillipe Halsman (1906-1979) was born on May 2nd, 1906, in Riga, Lativa. He embarked on a career as a fashion photographer in Paris during 1928 and quickly became highly regarded as an exceptional portrait artist, who was regularly commissioned by Vogue. In addition to Marilyn Monroe, Halsman also photographed many luminaries and celebrities, including Alfred Hitchcock, Judy Garland, Winston Churchill, Pablo Picasso, The Duke & Duchess of Windsor and Albert Einstein, who was a close family friend.