A pioneer for female photojournalists, Eve Arnold is one of the most influential photojournalists of the 20th century. Expressing their very essence in each photograph, Arnold photographed her subjects in an intimate and informal manner.

A master of black and white and colour photography, Arnold’s photographs of Marilyn Monroe are some of her most famous works. The pair developed a deep sense of companionship throughout their decade-long friendship.

Photographed in 1952 on a location shoot in Mount Sinai, this was the first photography session Arnold and Marilyn had together. The famous actress takes centre stage surrounded by beautiful strong colours. Arnold photographed in colour film, which at the time was still a novelty in editorial photography, but the artist wanted to capture the high contrast of Marilyn’s blonde hair – as Arnold describes it ‘her blondness was more exciting in colour’.

Fascinated by Monroe’s natural ability in front of a camera, Arnold captured the actress in a way no one else had, in her quiet and vulnerable moments. Arnold’s candid images exhibit the often-unseen side of Monroe, showing the softness and innocence of her authentic self. The photographs captured on The Misfits set are among the last ever taken of the famous actress.

In a career spanning six decades, Eve Arnold photographed people from all walks of life, from the Hollywood elite and political figures to manual labourers. With curiosity as her biggest driving force, Arnold showed incredible bravery throughout her career, putting her commitment to capturing reality above all else, making her photographs a part of history.

Arnold’s original negatives are retained by Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University.

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