$37,500
An oil on canvas painting of Marilyn Monroe reclining nude in bed. Signed middle right “Earl Moran.” Earl Moran was a prominent pin-up artist during the 1930s and 1940s with a stylish flair that helped sell millions of calendars for publishers Brown & Bigelow. In 1946, Moran had the good fortune of meeting an aspiring model named Norma Jeane Dougherty, soon to become famous as Marilyn Monroe. Dozens of photographs were taken of Monroe in various poses, which Moran then used to paint seductive nudes in oil and pastel, portraying Monroe as a blonde, a redhead, and even as a brunette. The painting shown here was purchased by the consignor's wife directly from Moran after they met him at the Laguna Art Festival. The consignor fondly recalls how Moran explained to them that the model for the painting was a young woman named Norma Jeane Dougherty. Canvas, 23 3/4 by 48 inches; 32 by 56 inches, framed Categories: Marilyn Monroe
Auctioneer:
Juliens Auctions
Date:
2014-12-05
