Underestimated,that is so true. A warm heart that sought for love as she received none as a child. Many women at the time she lived, I read, wished they had known her and befriended her after they had found out about her sad past and even sadder destiny. I think it must have been impossible to feel "malicious envy" towards this woman if you lived in the 50s, 60s. It would have been more a feeling of tenderness and gentle eagerness to emulate her style and not of deadly envy which usually is the case of today's Hollywood "goddesses" whose aura is just that:envy me!look at my body and all that triviality. Back then the feelings triggered by this beauty would have been different yet she was perfect.
These photos are so revealing...are these the High Priestess's of Style and Fashion Blessing a TRUE beauty or are they the Crones of High Society, observing their prey?
Marilyn, just saw her the other evening in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes...she rides thru Paris in 1953, stopping at Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, Dior and Guerlain - the actual footage of storefronts and window displays are each superimposed onto the screen! Yes, she was really Stylish, Beautiful and like the fawn born...FRAGILE!
By the way, her pink dress that she wore in the movie while singing DIAMONDS ARE GIRLS BEST FRIEND, is up for auction this month...wonder what it will bring.
Marilyn, how many ways can we say it? actress, comedienne, beauty, desired object, Blonde, abused, and still so many questions. She must have been one of the true seekers of that hollywood generation. I think these women-must have been bewitched, whatever the topic. I think underestimated it apropos. She elicits much thought here. Something for me to ponder. thank you.
I have a marvelous photo of a party my friend Jordan Massee once hosted for his cousin Carson McCullers. Among those in the photo are Massee, McCullers, Dame Sitwell, Arthur Miller, and Marilyn Monroe. I'll send it to you if you're interested.
Carey, I would absolutely love it-I would be thrilled to share it with my readers. Her Arthur Miller marriage -and Joe Dimaggio, stories there. What an assemblage-with McCullers and Sitwell. thank you , Gaye
I don't know what to add, it's all been said so well already in the comments...Very underrated, underestimated and beautifully tragic. Great photos, thanks for sharing. Love from London x
Ah, to have been a fly on the wall when those meetings took place. To think what they spoke of! Marvelous. How could anyone not look (or feel) hideous when sitting next to such an other worldly confection of astonishing beauty as Ms. Monroe? I'm not saying Sitwell was hideous, exactly, but she was rather bizarre looking. Maxwell on the other hand... While Sitwell and Maxwell may have been "challenged" in the looks department, they both excelled in their ability to converse, which served them both well into old age, unlike poor Ms. Monroe.
Looking twice (and then again), I think the body language is amused, charmed, and open (on the part of the elders); perhaps, too, a little shocked (such beauty -- at the other end of the sofa -- is rare in nature). And certainly Marilyn knew that she was in the presence of intellect and history, two things she admired. Which may be why the photos are so engaging, and worth that second and third look...
Patricia, Yes I think -in the same auction that I posted on MM's dress today. I am intrigued by your son's selection, Marilyn is still so relevant today, and he certainly recognizes beauty. pgt
Reggie and Victoria-yes certainly they had to be struck by her beauty, I think these two had likely reconciled their own looks, found something that worked(as most of us do) and excelled in intellect and other talents. I think Victoria got it right- amused, charmed- a mutual exchange of gifts. Certainly the second and third looks. pgt
Ivan, yes. & for you-Is there anyone in your lens-with the Beauty, Sexuality, Vulnerability, today that could rival Marilyn? I was discussing this with a friend & it seems every other starlet, or wanna be is imitating or assuming the trappings of MM but without the Reality.
Ah Marilyn. So underestimated...
ReplyDeleteUnderestimated,that is so true. A warm heart that sought for love as she received none as a child. Many women at the time she lived, I read, wished they had known her and befriended her after they had found out about her sad past and even sadder destiny. I think it must have been impossible to feel "malicious envy" towards this woman if you lived in the 50s, 60s. It would have been more a feeling of tenderness and gentle eagerness to emulate her style and not of deadly envy which usually is the case of today's Hollywood "goddesses" whose aura is just that:envy me!look at my body and all that triviality. Back then the feelings triggered by this beauty would have been different yet she was perfect.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are so revealing...are these the High Priestess's of Style and Fashion Blessing a TRUE beauty or are they the Crones of High Society, observing their prey?
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, just saw her the other evening in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes...she rides thru Paris in 1953, stopping at Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, Dior and Guerlain - the actual footage of storefronts and window displays are each superimposed onto the screen! Yes, she was really Stylish, Beautiful and like the fawn born...FRAGILE!
By the way, her pink dress that she wore in the movie while singing DIAMONDS ARE GIRLS BEST FRIEND, is up for auction this month...wonder what it will bring.
I am sure a woman who felt much betrayed by the wealthy and affluent who deserted her.
ReplyDeleteI cannot say as to these great women she met with and wonder what they were discussing and thinking.
Karena
Art by Karena
Fantastic Images! Celebrity, society, and the party organizer, who introduced Rita Hayworth to the Aga Khan.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, how many ways can we say it? actress, comedienne, beauty, desired object, Blonde, abused, and still so many questions. She must have been one of the true seekers of that hollywood generation. I think these women-must have been bewitched, whatever the topic. I think underestimated it apropos. She elicits much thought here. Something for me to ponder. thank you.
ReplyDeletePoor Marilyn. Cast into a roll which she could not ultimately fufill... perfection is an ever elusive straight-jacket which was fitted just for her.
ReplyDeleteI have a marvelous photo of a party my friend Jordan Massee once hosted for his cousin Carson McCullers. Among those in the photo are Massee, McCullers, Dame Sitwell, Arthur Miller, and Marilyn Monroe. I'll send it to you if you're interested.
ReplyDeleteCarey, I would absolutely love it-I would be thrilled to share it with my readers. Her Arthur Miller marriage -and Joe Dimaggio, stories there. What an assemblage-with McCullers and Sitwell. thank you , Gaye
ReplyDeleteI don't know what to add, it's all been said so well already in the comments...Very underrated, underestimated and beautifully tragic. Great photos, thanks for sharing. Love from London x
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that an X-ray of her is up for auction.
ReplyDeleteMy son's last art project was to choose an "icon" and he chose Marilyn. I loved the Andy Warhol portrait of her.
pve
Lovely pictures - I thought that the bottom one looked just liek gertrude Stein - oh well - I always learn something looking at your blog!
ReplyDeleteHannah
Ah, to have been a fly on the wall when those meetings took place. To think what they spoke of! Marvelous. How could anyone not look (or feel) hideous when sitting next to such an other worldly confection of astonishing beauty as Ms. Monroe? I'm not saying Sitwell was hideous, exactly, but she was rather bizarre looking. Maxwell on the other hand... While Sitwell and Maxwell may have been "challenged" in the looks department, they both excelled in their ability to converse, which served them both well into old age, unlike poor Ms. Monroe.
ReplyDeleteLooking twice (and then again), I think the body language is amused, charmed, and open (on the part of the elders); perhaps, too, a little shocked (such beauty -- at the other end of the sofa -- is rare in nature). And certainly Marilyn knew that she was in the presence of intellect and history, two things she admired. Which may be why the photos are so engaging, and worth that second and third look...
ReplyDeletehannah and mlle- Seems like we all have similiar thoughts about Marilyn.
ReplyDeletePatricia, Yes I think -in the same auction that I posted on MM's dress today. I am intrigued by your son's selection, Marilyn is still so relevant today, and he certainly recognizes beauty. pgt
ReplyDeleteReggie and Victoria-yes certainly they had to be struck by her beauty, I think these two had likely reconciled their own looks, found something that worked(as most of us do) and excelled in intellect and other talents. I think Victoria got it right- amused, charmed- a mutual exchange of gifts. Certainly the second and third looks. pgt
ReplyDeleteI so much agree with Victoria. These photos are a rare treat.
ReplyDeleteIvan, yes. & for you-Is there anyone in your lens-with the Beauty, Sexuality, Vulnerability, today that could rival Marilyn? I was discussing this with a friend & it seems every other starlet, or wanna be is imitating or assuming the trappings of MM but without the Reality.
ReplyDelete