Bert Stern Print Appraisal

Marilyn Monroe Champagne Print (The Last Sitting Series)

This item is a monochrome photographic print on paper featuring the iconic American actress Marilyn Monroe. The image is part of the famous 'Last Sitting' series, captured by photographer Bert Stern in 1962, just weeks before her death. The subject is depicted in a candid, joyful pose, holding a champagne flute to her lips while draped in a casual, textured knit garment or blanket. The print features a sepia or warm-toned monochrome palette rather than a stark high-contrast black and white, giving it a vintage, aged aesthetic. Physically, the print appears to be a medium-sized rectangular sheet, likely around 8x10 or 11x14 inches. The paper quality seems to have a matte finish. Regarding its condition, there are visible signs of wear and age, including creasing along the top right edge, slight bending at the corners, and minor horizontal surface ridges that suggest the paper has been handled or stored without a frame for some time. There are no visible maker's marks, signatures, or limited edition numbering on the face of the print, suggesting this may be an open-edition lithographic reproduction or promotional print rather than a silver gelatin photograph from the original negative. The overall quality reflects a mass-market collectible rather than fine art gallery stock, though it remains a sought-after piece due to the enduring popularity of the subject matter.