An extraordinary original Hurrell photograph with special provenance from the subject herself, from the personal collection of Marlene Dietrich, thence to the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort. Vintage gelatin silver print. On verso, "Please credit / Hurrell / Hollywood" Stamp. 10.25 x 13.25 inches matted to an overall size of 16 x 20 inches.

George Edward Hurrell (1904-1992) was among the most sought-after photographers of the stars. His career encompassed both Old and New Hollywood, with a combination of advertising and editorial work for America’s top corporations and publications. Trained as a painter, he began his switch to photography by taking what he called “social portraits” of the high society of Laguna Beach, and he made his mark early by re-inventing the celebrity still. His photography captured the notice of MGM, and by 1930, he had joined the studio as head portrait photographer. He left MGM two years later to open his own studio, remaining independent for the majority of the remainder of his career. Some of Hurrell's famous clients include Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, and Rita Hayworth.

Marlene Dietrich was a twentieth-century icon. An extraordinary actress and singer, femme fatale and muse to the greatest fashion designers, employed by the American armed services during WWII, Marlene Dietrich was a powerful woman who lived her life and conducted her career with a firm resolve. She made her debut in The Blue Angel (1930), directed by Josef von Sternberg, with whom she would make another eight movies. Paramount soon contacted her, and she left for America to pursue a career in Hollywood. She acted for the greatest directors of her time: Orson Welles (A Touch of Evil), Alfred Hitchcock (Stage Fright), Fritz Lang (Rancho Notorious), and René Clair (The Flame of New Orleans), among others. This disconcertingly sober portrait depicts the legendary actress totally unadorned, with only her face standing out against her large black cape. There is a certain intimacy in the way that Marlene Dietrich reveals her fragility without overplaying her expression for the camera.

From the collection of Marlene Dietrich, then to Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with her as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort. Sold together with a letter of provenance from the husband of Paul McMahon, Ralph Hodgdon. Scattered scratches and rubbing/staining to the brass, overall fine.