ARTIST

Lawrence Schiller

Lawrence Julian Schiller is an American photojournalist, film producer, director and screenwriter. He was born in 1936 in New York and gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s, capturing iconic photos of celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Robert F. Kennedy, and Muhammad Ali. Schiller's photograph of Monroe in a swimming pool, taken shortly before her death, is particularly famous.He also co-directed "The American Dreamer" and worked on several documentaries. Schiller also collaborated with Norman Mailer on many books (11 in total) like "Marilyn" and "The Executioner's Song". His photography is characterized by its candid, intimate style, offering unique glimpses into the lives of his subjects, the main themes are celebrity lives and scandal. Schiller is a significant figure in American pop culture.

In 1962, photographer Lawrence Schiller was invited by Paris Match to cover Marilyn Monroe on the set of "Something’s Got to Give." Schiller, a budding photographer who had previously met Monroe in 1960, turned what was meant to be a standard publicity shoot into an iconic moment when Monroe jumped into the pool wearing a flesh-colored bathing suit and emerged naked. Schiller captured some of the first nudes of Monroe in over a decade, immortalizing her as the epitome of seduction and beauty, reminiscent of Botticelli’s Venus. These images, with Monroe's peach-toned skin against the pool's blue hues, cemented her status as an enduring American sex symbol.

Monroe, already renowned for her roles in films like "Some Like it Hot" and "The Seven Year Itch," captivated audiences with her blend of seductive charm, style, and vulnerability. Despite her tragic background, she became the quintessential American beauty and a symbol of the rags-to-riches story. Schiller's career flourished after the Monroe shoot, leading him to work for major publications and direct motion pictures. Monroe's transformation from Norma Jean to Marilyn and her inscrutable appeal continue to capture the hearts and minds of America, highlighting her enduring influence on American culture and sexuality.

Selected Works

Marilyn 12 Marilyn 12
Lawrence SchillerMarilyn 12
Sale price€22.000,00
Marilyn Marilyn
Lawrence SchillerMarilyn
Sale price€22.000,00
Marilyn Monroe Proof Sheet 14 Marilyn Monroe Proof Sheet 14