Marilyn Monroe: a name synonymous with Hollywood glamour, iconic beauty, and a captivating aura. Yet, beneath the veneer of stardom lay a complex woman with vulnerabilities and hidden depths. It was Eve Arnold, a pioneering female photojournalist, who captured these often-overlooked facets of Monroe’s personality in a series of intimate and candid photographs.
Arnold’s approach to photographing Monroe was a departure from the heavily staged and stylized images that were commonplace in the era. Instead of focusing solely on Monroe’s undeniable beauty, Arnold sought to capture the person behind the persona. Her photos are refreshingly honest, eschewing the polished facade and revealing glimpses of Monroe’s true self.
In one image, Monroe is caught off-guard, her eyes downcast and her expression pensive. In another, she’s laughing uninhibitedly, her face alight with genuine joy. Arnold’s camera captures Monroe in moments of vulnerability, contemplation, and unguarded emotion. These are not the images we typically associate with the Hollywood icon, yet they are perhaps the most revealing.
A Bond of Trust
Arnold and Monroe’s relationship extended beyond the professional realm. They formed a genuine friendship, a connection built on mutual respect and trust. This bond allowed Arnold access to Monroe’s private world, a privilege rarely granted to others. We see Monroe in unguarded moments, her makeup smudged, her hair disheveled, her guard down. We see her curled up on a couch, lost in thought, or sharing a quiet moment with her husband, playwright Arthur Miller. These images offer a rare glimpse into Monroe’s private life, a side of her that was rarely seen by the public.
