Marilyn Monroe, 1954

Marilyn Monroe as a seductive ballerina. “The Ballerina Sitting,” one of Milton and Marilyn’s most recognized collaborations, was created in October of 1954 at his New York studio. Marilyn Monroe was in New York for the opening of The Seven Year Itch. Fashion designer Ann Klein sent various pieces over to Milton’s studio for Marilyn to wear, but all were too small. All of the poses in this sitting amusingly deal with Marilyn’s challenge of holding up the ill-fitting tulle and satin dress. Marilyn is leaning forward seductively while holding the bodice of the dress in place, revealing her back, the unclasped zipper, and evoking the look that made her a legend.The most recognized image from this sitting was chosen by Life magazine as one of three most popular images of the 20th Century, along with Albert Einstein by Philippe Halsman and Winston Churchill by Yousuf Karsh.