Captivating vintage 8 x 10 photo of Monroe in a low-cut dress and diamond jewelry reclining on a pillow, signed and inscribed in blue ink “To Jean, Warmest wishes always, Marilyn Monroe.” The lady to whom the photo is inscribed, Jean Snow, was a young woman from England visiting her aunt and uncle in Los Angeles in late 1952. ‘Doc’ Goddard, husband of Marilyn’s last guardian, Grace McKee Goddard, was a friend of Jean’s uncle and arranged for Jean to visit 20th Century Studios and watch some filming of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Photo is accompanied by a September 2000 letter of provenance from Snow, describing seeing Monroe have lunch with Joe DiMaggio in the staff canteen, watching Marilyn and Jane Russell sing Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend and talking to Marilyn. Snow writes, “She was stunning & so friendly, chatting away & asking about my family back in England. She pulled 2 red sequins off her dress & gave them to me & then signed the photograph. Then she was called back to filming.” In very good condition, with signature and inscription a couple shades light, but legible, a couple light creases and some scattered light edge silvering, none detracting from the mesmerizing image. PSA/DNA COA and R&R COA.
