Description:

Marilyn Monroe
n.p., ca. 1955
Marilyn Monroe "Golden Dreams" 1955 Wall Calendar, Same Year "Seven Year Itch" Was Released
Other
A vintage combination wall poster and calendar featuring an iconic photographic print of Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) as a pin-up model at center. "Posed By Marilyn Monroe" is printed at center right, and the work title, "Golden Dreams," is printed at center bottom. An unused 1955 tear-away calendar is positioned underneath the print of Monroe on a decorative yellow stock mount. Expected wear including wrinkles, mostly confined to the corners, but also affecting the right side of the image, and in this case bisecting Monroe's neck and left elbow. Isolated scuffs, discoloration, and edge darkening. The metal grommet at top center (for hanging) and the wall calendar staples are slightly rusted. Minor surface rippling, else very good to near fine. The actual image size is approximately 7.5" x 9.75." The overall size of the poster is 10" x 17."

The original photograph of Monroe, "Golden Dreams," was one of a pair of nude portraits taken by celebrity photographer Tom Kelley, Sr. (1914-1984) in 1949; the other was called "A New Wrinkle." Together, Kelley's two portraits of Monroe were taken during the so-called "Red Velvet Session," referring to the striking scarlet backdrop. Monroe had agreed to pose for Kelley's nude photos during a time of financial hardship before her acting career really took off. In the early 1950s, "Golden Dreams" was featured as the centerfold in the inaugural issue of "Playboy."

In 1955, the year featured in this wall calendar, one of Monroe's most famous movies was released: 20th Century-Fox's "The Seven Year Itch," directed by Billy Wilder. Around the same time, Monroe entered into an acrimonious legal battle with 20th Century-Fox regarding her employment contract; started her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions; engaged a new acting coach, Paula Stasberg; and studied at the Actors Studio.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: overall: 10" x 17"
  • Medium: Other

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March 12, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000