Bert Stern was an American photographer who rose to prominence in the 1960s, redefining commercial, fashion, and portrait photography. Born in Brooklyn, he was largely self-taught and began his career in the mailroom of Look magazine before working as an art director. His breakthrough came with a groundbreaking 1955 advertising campaign for Smirnoff vodka, which featured a martini glass with an inverted reflection of an Egyptian pyramid. This image, along with others for major clients like IBM, Vogue, and Revlon, established him as a leading figure in the "golden age of advertising".
"Last Sitting - Marilyn Monroe", clubbed for 4 254 GBP at Stockholms Auktionsverk.
A Celebrity Photographer
Stern’s work was characterized by a bold, graphic simplicity and a remarkable ability to connect with his subjects. He photographed a wide range of celebrities, from Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor to Louis Armstrong. He was a master of his craft, known for his innovative use of color and unconventional compositions that set him apart from his contemporaries.
Recognition and Enduring Impact
His most iconic and enduring work is "The Last Sitting," a collection of over 2,500 photographs of Marilyn Monroe, taken for Vogue magazine in June 1962, just six weeks before her death. The three-day photo shoot captured Monroe in a series of intimate and vulnerable poses, both nude and draped in scarves. These photos, which included a proof sheet where Monroe herself had crossed out certain images, were later compiled into the influential book Marilyn Monroe: The Complete Last Sitting. This project cemented Stern's legacy and remains one of the most celebrated and poignant photographic portraits in history.
Beyond still photography, Stern also directed the acclaimed 1959 documentary film "Jazz on a Summer's Day," which captured the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival and was later selected for the National Film Registry. A self-professed "jukebox photographer," Stern's career was a testament to his unique vision and ability to capture the essence of a subject, whether a product, a celebrity, or a moment in time.