Woman of Mystery

Marilyn Monroe, photographed by George Barris on Santa Monica Beach, 1962. It would be her final photo session.

Marilyn Monroe continues to fascinate us a century on, because we’re still trying to figure her out

By Kim Morgan

It’s July 13, 1962, and there’s Marilyn Monroe on the beach in Santa Monica with a curious expression. I’m looking at her right now. Her blond hair is mussed, her face resting on her hand. She’s wearing a wool, hand-knitted Cowichan-style cardigan, an item from her own wardrobe.

The picture was taken by photographer George Barris during Monroe’s last session, less than a month before her tragic death. The image has long been among my favorites of the actress. And according to Barris, Monroe loved it, too. “That’s really me, freckles and all. The real me,” Barris remembered her telling him. READ ON