MARILYN MONROE A Portrait

Beyond the "blonde bombshell" — the many faces of Marilyn Monroe are immortalized through the many examples of 20th century art and photography dedicated to the timeless legend. Far more than a Hollywood star, Marilyn Monroe was a complex figure: ambitious, witty, charismatic, and deeply involved in the crafting of her public persona. Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait includes contributions from the actor, director and writer Lena Dunham, playwright and cultural commentator Bonnie Greer and feminist art historian Griselda Pollock, who offer fresh and personal perspectives on Monroe's cultural significance and enduring legacy. One of the most famous and most photographed women of the 20th century — and one whose image was directly linked to her fame — Marilyn Monroe continues to fascinate generations. From her collaborations with photographers such as Eve Arnold and Cecil Beaton to bold reinterpretations of her by Pop artists including Pauline Boty and Andy Warhol and later explorations by Cindy Sherman and Marlene Dumas, Monroe's image has been continually reimagined, speaking to her lasting impact on visual culture and our understanding of beauty, fame and power. Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) first captured Hollywood's attention in 1950 through small parts in All About Eve and The Asphalt Jungle. By 1953 she had become a bona fide movie star, with lead roles in Niagara, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Seven Year Itch, and How to Marry a Millionaire. She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for Billy Wilder's comedy classic, Some Like It Hot. This tribute to Marilyn is published to accompany an exhibition at London's National Portrait Gallery, being held from June 4 through September 6, 2026. Authorized by and in association with The Estate of Marilyn Monroe, LLC.