Philippe Halsman

large-format, signed and with title, date '1959,' and annotation 'M. Monroe' in pencil and the photographer's copyright stamp on the reverse, framed, 1954 (Philippe Halsman's Jump Book, p. 70)

Christie's Los Angeles, 10 December 1998, Sale 9034, Lot 85

This large, early print, on double-weight paper with a surface sheen, is in generally very good condition. There is a one-inch faintly discolored area to the left of the sitter. The print is somewhat warmer in tonality along the left and right edges of the image and in the margins. In raking light, a number of small sharp handling creases are visible overall, none of which appears to break the emulsion. Also visible in raking light is a long, thin, diagonal scuff over the sitter's body. A few tiny rust-colored deposits are visible upon close examination in the lower left quadrant. This photograph is unevenly centered on the paper. The margin edges are rubbed. The margin corners are bumped and there are yellowed adhesive remnants in the lower corners. The reverse of the print is age-darkened at the edges and soiled overall. There is graphite offsetting from a mat around the signature, notations, and stamp. There are large, light rust-colored areas in the lower portion on the reverse. Along the upper right edge, there is a 3-inch abrasion to the upper paper-ply and there is a small hinge remnant in the upper left corner. When examined under ultraviolet light, this print appears to fluoresce faintly.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Philippe Halsman’s famous Jump Book was published to great acclaim in 1959.  For a cover article, LIFE magazine assembled a photo essay in the 9 November 1959 issue, and Marilyn Monroe Jumping was one of the images reproduced.  In the LIFE review, Halsman talked about Marilyn and the way she jumped before his camera:

'When an adult woman jumps with bent knees like a little girl, it shows that, during the jump at least, she has become a girl again' (p. 107).

In 1998, when this print was offered at auction, Jane Halsman-Bello, the photographer’s daughter, knew of no other early prints in this unusually large size, and speculated that it might be unique.  Since that time, only one other early print in this size format has appeared at auction, confirming its rarity.