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Auction: 321 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale and Stocks and Bonds of the Americas
Lot: 805

Monroe, Marilyn (Norma Jeane Mortenson). Actress, model and singer, 20th Century icon and major sex symbol; and Avedon, Richard (1923-2004). Renowned fashion and portrait photographer who helped "define America's image of style, beauty and culture" for half a century. A trio of "Fabled Enchantress" Series posters signed by Richard Avedon. 20 x 28, and 23 x 28". In the series, Marilyn is cast as a sex symbol from the earlier part of the century - as Theda Bara à la sultry odalisque, Lillian Russell in fin-de-siècle attire sur la bicylette and Jean Harlow all in white posed against a white love seat, with a reclining Borzoi, of course, at her feet. In 1983, Avedon released signed sets of prints for photos he had taken of Marilyn on December 22, 1958 for Life Magazine. The sets were originally issued with four prints: Marilyn as Theda Bara, Lillian Russell, Jean Harlow and Clara Bow (not included here); there was never one of her as Marlene Dietrich. Avedon signs with a flourish in gold and silver sharpies. These posters are First Editions on heavy stock. This past April, a complete set of four (including the Clara Bow) sold for $8,900. Small bit of crimping and wear in margins, tiny tear bottom of Russell poster, and minor red stain in field of Harlow. Overall posters grade Very Fine.

Estimate
$1,500 to $2,500