C-print on Kodak Professional Paper
USA, 1947; printed later
Bruno Bernard aka „Bernard of Hollywood“ (1912-1987) – US-American pinup photographer
Estate stamp on the verso ‘From the estate of Bernard of Hollywood Executor’; signed ‘Sue Bernard’ (artist’s daughter)
Embossed stamp lower left, beneath the depiction ‘U.S.A.’
Image size: 35.8 x 28.1 cm
Very good condition
Bruno Bernard took some of the most iconic pictures of Marilyn Monroe and accompanied her even before the rise of her career; the auction record for a Monroe portrait currently sets at €15,000
Object is regular taxed. 19% VAT is added to the purchase price for deliveries within the EU.

The present photograph depicts an early and very charming portrait of Marilyn Monroe, when she was still known as Norma Jeane. Bernard, famously known as ‘Bernard of Hollywood’, introduced his so called ‘pinup’ style into photography and thus deliberately played with female eroticism behind the veil of youthful innocence. Marilyn posing as a sailor girl is therefore an impressive example of the photographer’s characteristic artistic output.



The C-print has been made on Kodak Professional Paper and is verso fitted with the estate stamp ‘From the estate of Bernard of Hollywood Executor’; the artist’s daughter, Sue Bernard, acts as the executor and therefore signed the work by hand. At the front side, there is an embossed stamp on the left, beneath the depiction ‘U.S.A.’. The work is in very good condition and has been framed under a mat. The image size is 35.8 x 28.1 cm and the size of the sheet is 40.5 x 33 cm. The framed work measures 63 x 53 cm.



Bruno Bernard (1912-1987)

Bruno Bernard was born in Berlin and received a doctor’s degree in criminal law from Kiel University. Bernard became a Jewish leader in the underground movement. In 1937, he had the opportunity to emigrate to America. As he had no formal training in photography, Bernard moved to Hollywood, where he became an apprentice for Max Reinhardt’s acting studio. The young photographer opened his first studio at Sunset Blvd. and soon came to the attention of agents and Hollywood professionals who deliberately called him ‘Bernard of Hollywood’. His characteristic ‘pinup’ style is regarded as his most important photographic achievement. He portrayed some of the most famous stars of his time, including Rita Hayworth, Elvis Presley and Clark Gable. Bernard also had a very close relationship with a young girl that was initially called Norma Jeane and later became Marilyn Monroe, one of the most iconic women in the world. Bernard continuously supported Marilyn’s career and produced some of the most famous pictures of her. In the 1960s, Bernard became active as a photojournalist in Berlin, before he returned for his retirement to Palm Springs and L. A. (cbo)

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.

Due to the legal obligation for the resale royalty in the art market the following applies: As a result of its membership in the AV Kunst, Auctionata charges additionally to the hammer price the contribution to the AV Kunst of currently 2.1% of the revenues from the sale of fine arts and photographs pro rata towards the buyer. More information about royalty right in our T&C.