Marilyn as Lillian Russell by Richard Avedon. Owned by MarilynMonroeSource.com
In 1958 Marilyn Monroe posed for photographer Richard Avedon as five of the original sex symbols of the silver screen: Jean Harlow, Clara Bow, Marlene Dietrich, Lillian Russell and Theda Bara.
A few days ago I found a listing online from a man who was selling 3 out of 5 of those prints. I inquired about their condition and for photos. After receiving the images I noticed that not only were they in excellent condition but were also framed. The man was selling them for $20 each so of course, I jumped at the offer! He also mentioned he had a fourth picture and that he’d throw it in for free!
The original owner of the prints was a Marilyn collector who recently passed away and his things were shipped from Los Angeles to the seller (who lives in my home town) and he didn’t have the room to keep everything. I let the seller know that I am also a Marilyn fan and would be taking great care of the pictures.
I picked up the pictures the next night and they are gorgeous (and first editions). Each frame is color-matched to each photo and are larger than I expected. The best part of it all is that all 4 prints are autographed by Richard Avedon himself! I’m the happy owner of 4 autographed Richard Avedon Marilyn Monroe pictures 🙂 I never thought I’d say that!
Tags: Autograph, Clara Bow, Jean Harlow, Lillian Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Richard Avedon, Signed, Theda Bara
Marilyn Monroe Source 
February 26, 2009 at 10:40 pm |
Congratulations! That is a great find – especially to have them signed! You won’t find a 5th one in the series. The Dietrich shot was never made into a poster.
February 27, 2009 at 12:35 am |
Thanks so much! I’m in the clouds with these posters! I found a Dietrich on ebay for around $250.. could it have been a fake?? I tried looking for it last night but couldn’t find it anymore.
February 27, 2009 at 7:09 pm |
Maybe I’m mistaken. I have just never seen one and don’t know anyone who has one and I have been looking for at least 10 years. I have an 8×10 of it but I’ve never seen it done in the series like these other posters.
April 8, 2009 at 7:56 pm |
I bought an Avedon Beatles banner from France-made for Stern magazine in 60’s.How can I be sure it is real-look very new to me.
June 27, 2009 at 4:54 am |
I purchased a first edition copy of the “Marilyn Monroe as Lillian Russell” poster — which I understand was created in the 1980s (as were all these posters.) It cost me $100 and the poster shop still has two others — the Clara Bow and Jean Harlow. These are all full sized and I understand are somewhat rare. I don’t know how to find out their actual worth though. Mine is not signed.
August 31, 2009 at 3:23 pm |
$100 may be considered a good deal! I’d snatch up the others if they are still available. I’ve checked out other unsigned posters from this series online and they were being sold for $200-$250.
Did the poster shop have a few copies of each actress MM portrayed? If so, I wouldn’t count them as being authentic first editions.
July 19, 2009 at 7:40 pm |
I just purchased a 1958 poster by Richard Avedon of Marilyn Monroe as Lillian Russell, which is a first edition. Does anyone know what the value is of this unsigned poster?
August 31, 2009 at 3:24 pm |
After looking online, I found other unsigned posters to being sold between $200-$250.
July 24, 2009 at 2:27 am |
I have four of these prints Beautifully framed that I would like to sell. Any advise?
August 31, 2009 at 3:25 pm |
Try ebay. There are many fans that would love to add these posters to their collections.
July 27, 2009 at 5:45 pm |
i bought three of the firts edition in london five years ago signed by avedon for about £ 200 framed. theda bara, lilian russell and jean harlow. the decorate my stìitting room and i am very pround of them
August 31, 2009 at 3:26 pm |
That’s great! I still haven’t put mine up yet, but I recently moved and have a lot more wall space to cover 🙂
October 25, 2009 at 10:05 pm |
I have all four signed and in perfect condition–in tube–never framed. Might consider selling
January 28, 2010 at 8:34 pm |
Do you still have these and have you decided to sell?
January 31, 2010 at 7:58 pm |
Do you still have these? I may be interested. Have been a MM collector for over 10yrs.
February 19, 2010 at 12:16 am
Yes, I still have them. When i mentioned selling my collection I meant my random things and not my Avedon posters. Sorry I should have been more accurate.
February 21, 2010 at 10:24 pm
I am interested in selling my collection of you are interested I can email yopu some photos of them I have all four signend and in beautiful wood frames.
November 13, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Hi I have a 1958 signed lillian russell poster,
That Was “Not” made in 1980 this is a first edition first state at the bottom copyright 1958 by richard avedon all rights reserved
exclusive distribution:Andrew Grenshaw ltd.407 E 75th st.new york ny 10021 usa 12126288212 firstedition “signed in gold marker and the ink can be seen above and over poster with a loop. Interested? Jerry
geraldbalcom-yahoo….com
January 28, 2010 at 8:33 pm |
Just to let you know, these prints were originally listed in american photographer magazine, you could buy them signed or unsigned, as a set or individually. I see the magazine on ebay once in a while, also, Marilyn as Marlene was never produced, I am not sure why, it is my favorite, but I contacted a graphic artist in California who made it for me. So I now have all five. Should you want to see it, just email me and I will show you the finished product, it is stunning!
February 19, 2010 at 12:19 am |
Marilyn as Marlene is my fav too! I wish it were sold as a poster. Would make sense to round out the collection.
February 9, 2010 at 11:35 pm |
Richard Avedon was a very kind man. Wrote to him and asked fo an auto graph. He did send meone in one of his photos. The lady with the elephant. I cant thank him enough.
February 19, 2010 at 12:14 am |
You’re very lucky! Avedon is my favorite photographer. I have a large framed poster of the photo you described.
May 30, 2010 at 1:19 pm |
i just recently cleaned out my grandfathers house and came across the whole set of these marilyn monroe first edition framed since day 1 , anyone interested?
June 24, 2010 at 3:58 am |
I have the whole collection of the four Marilyn Monroe pictures each signed in gold by Richard Avedon and beautifully framed I am trying to find the value and would like to sell them.
July 28, 2010 at 2:43 pm |
I have this same print only mine is signed by Richard Avedon. I love it. Have it float framed.
October 8, 2010 at 2:49 am |
I have the Theda Bara print – signed and framed….always wondered what it was worth…. definately willing to part with it for the right price….
November 8, 2010 at 8:28 pm |
I have a series of prints of Marilyn Monroe Richard Avedon signed for me.