Betty Page, in loving memory

 

"I never thought it was shameful. I felt normal. It's just that it was much better than pounding a typewriter eight hours a day, which gets monotonous."

"Bettie Mae Page (April 22, 1923 – December 11, 2008) was an American model who gained a significant profile in the 1950s for her pin-up photos. Often referred to as the "Queen of Pinups", her jet black hair, blue eyes, and trademark bangs have influenced artists for generations." Wikipedia

When I was young, I had two loves : Bettie Page and Marilyn Monroe. I was crazy about them, collecting all what I could find, cards, books, photos, articles... Bettie Page looked so nice, so free, and feminine. She was my icon.

I have to admit that her photos are not artworks but she had the strength to open the door to a fresh and liberated eroticism in a false prude country. For that, I thank her and I wish her the best in her new world.

The boat series by Bunny Yeager

And :

By Olivia De Berardinis

“I paint Women. Pinup, Burlesque, Fashion, Fantasy. I have always drawn women. I can remember when I was three or four, drawing a Barbie-like character based on my mother, although Barbie Dolls didn’t exist until I was 10 years old. ”

And :

Pin-up girl Marilyn Monroe →

Pin-up girl Marilyn Monroe with Earl Moran

Norma Jeane Mortenson

June 1, 1926, August 5, 1962, Los Angeles, California, United States
1.66 m

"In Hollywood a girl's virtue is much less important than her hairdo. You're judged by how you look, not by what you are. Hollywood's a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for kiss, and fifty cents for your soul. I know, because I turned down the first offer often enough and held out for the fifty."

Marilyn Monroe and Earl Moran

Adapted sources : Immortal Marilyn

One of his most famous models whilst in Hollywood was the young Marilyn Monroe, then Norma Jeane, who modeled for Moran between 1946 and 1950.

Earl Moran hired Marilyn through the Blue Book Agency in Los Angeles, in 1946. This was one of Marilyn’s earliest regular modeling assignments, to help pay the rent while she fought for an entree into the movie business.

She posed for him off and on for the next four years. He paid Marilyn ten dollars an hour to photograph  her in various costumes and states of toplessness.

He usually took photos of her, which he used as reference for his pin-up illustrations. 

Between 1946 and 1950

From 20 to 24 years old