The Top 10 Photographs of Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Baker Mortensen in 1926 in Los Angeles, California. After a turbulent childhood spent in orphanages and foster homes, she was discovered by photographer Andre De Dienes. From that early age, she went on to become the icon we know today, crafting a universal image while shaping the American dream. From Marilyn Monroe’s famous subway grate photo to lesser-known shots, here are Artper’s selections of her top 10 portraits.

1. A Pivotal Photo Shoot

In 1945, Norma Jeane signed her first modeling contract with photographer André De Dienes. Following a successful initial photo session, they continued their collaboration the next year, arranging a five-week shoot. These portraits were an overwhelming success and graced magazine covers worldwide. They mark a turning point in Norma Jeane’s life, as she would soon decide to adopt the stage name Marilyn Monroe.

2. Marilyn Monroe’s Most Iconic Photo

Captured during the filming of The Seven Year Itch, this famous image has circulated globally. On a spur of the moment, Monroe’s photographer and friend Sam Shaw chose to use a subway grate to create this well-known shot. Laughing heartily, Marilyn exudes incredible energy in this portrait. The story goes that a crowd of fans and photographers had gathered around her, and the result was one of Marilyn Monroe’s most legendary photos.

3. Seated Ballerina: A New Side of Marilyn

Undoubtedly one of the most touching of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic photos, this portrait reveals softness, depth, and sensuality. The photo session was initially expected to fail because Marilyn’s outfit was too small for her. Instead of being upset by this, however, the model decided to turn the mistake to her advantage, using the bustier as an unconventional accessory. This famous photo showcases the sublimity of her beauty—both dazzling and fragile.

4. Photo Shoots and Reading: Two Passions Combined

Far from the “dumb blonde” stereotype that many film roles sought to box her into, Marilyn Monroe was highly intelligent. She read extensively and enjoyed being photographed during her reading sessions. Once again, the model stood out for her time, breaking away from the pinup stereotype to show that a beautiful woman is not merely an empty vessel.

5. Marilyn Monroe’s Favorite Portrait

Since Marilyn Monroe always selected her own images, this portrait by Cecil Beaton is known to have been her favorite. She even used it as her autographed photo on numerous occasions. Delicate and genuine, this shot reflects the almost tangible softness of this beloved icon.

6. Monroe by Avedon: Sublimity Meets Authenticity

Another of Marilyn Monroe’s most famous photos, this black-and-white shot by Richard Avedon reveals a new facet of the icon. After posing for hours, the photo session was coming to an end. Marilyn was exhausted and quickly let her guard down, abandoning her pose while keeping her charming gaze. Avedon noticed a striking change in her expression and asked if he could take one last shot. The result is this portrait masterpiece, where aesthetic perfection blends with weary melancholy—an image whose authenticity only enhances its sublimity.

7. Marilyn Monroe’s Famous Photo with Arthur Miller

Photographed again by her friend Sam Shaw, Marilyn poses with her third husband, playwright Arthur Miller. Filled with tenderness and spontaneity, this image dates from 1957 and was taken at their home in East Hampton, New York.

8. Monroe by Halsman: The Angel’s Leap

Like Dalí, Grace Kelly, or Cassius Clay, Marilyn Monroe jumped in front of the lens of renowned photographer Philippe Halsman. This delightful jump became part of Halsman’s splendid work Jump Book.

9. On-Set Shooting Capture

Henri Cartier-Bresson took this picture during the filming of the movie The Misfits. Dated 1961, this image—credited to the Magnum Photos agency—shows a focused and graceful Marilyn Monroe.

10. The Final Famous Photo

Severely weakened by anxiety medication use, Marilyn Monroe still agreed to pose for Bert Stern. Over three days, the model was photographed in a room at the Hotel Bel-Air. Despite her exhausted state, she later met with Stern to select the images, as she had always done. Among the 2,600 pictures, Marilyn crossed out in red all those she did not want published. Even though some portraits are stunning, Marilyn Monroe passed away six weeks after the photo session. It was a tragedy that Stern then exploited for his own gain, publishing a series of portraits titled The Last Sitting. But the photographer didn’t stop there—shortly after her death, he developed and exhibited the portraits Marilyn had refused to let see the light of day.

Marilyn Monroe’s Photos: A Life Devoted to Portraitists

Monroe willingly offered herself to photography and to the portraitists who had the fortune to meet her. Leaving behind her painful childhood, she spent her entire life reinventing herself. She provided photographers with a range of emotions and roles, all of which seemed to be an integral part of her. For this reason, Bert Stern’s violation of her image rights is all the more despicable. Instead of being grateful and admiring, the photographer respected neither her personal wishes nor her hard work. However, these unauthorized images are not what we remember—we recall all the others. We still have hundreds of thousands of pictures that immerse us in the dream life Marilyn Monroe wanted to live.