$1,250
Color poster signed by photographer Richard Avedon Marilyn gives tribute to Theda Bara by posing in a revealing, Oriental costume, appearing mysterious. In the early 1900s, it was popular for actresses to be photographed in exotic backgrounds. Theda Bara was promoted by the studios as being Egyptian born of a Italian sculptor and French actress who grew up under the Sphinx. Marilyn appears as the Vamp, exotic and alluring. Richard Avedon had a different technique of taking fashion photographs. He showed models in action, smiling, laughing, vamping, rather than the typical emotionless and indifferent stances. In addition to his fashion layouts he photographed patients in metal hospitals, the Civil Rights Movement in 1963, Vietnam War protesters, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Theda Bara (1885-1955) was a silent film star and one of the early sex symbols. Her nickname was The Vamp (short for vampire) and the term “Vamp” soon became a slang term for sexually aggressive women. Theda made over 40 feature films between 1914-1926, although complete prints of only 6 of these films still exist. She never made a talking film and is one of the most famous completely silent stars. At the height of her career she was making $4,000 a week (1915-1919) and was one of the most famous movie stars behind Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford. 20 by 28 inches Categories: Marilyn Monroe
Auctioneer:
Juliens Auctions
Date:
2008-06-21
