Marilyn Monroe photo goes unsold at auction

A striking photograph of Marilyn Monroe that was raffled off in North Vancouver for $5 failed to sell at an auction at Maynards Fine Art and Antiques Wednesday in Vancouver

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The black-and-white print was valued at $40,000 to $60,000, but the highest bid was $38,000.

Kate Bellringer, the director of contemporary and Canadian art at Maynard's, said the consignor couldn't accept anything less than $40,000.

She said the print will be returned to the owner if no higher bids emerge in the next few days.

High mark-up

It's not the first time the image has been up for grabs in Metro Vancouver.

In 1983, it was raffled off for $5 at Presentation House Gallery.

"I'm really happy for the guy who bought the ticket," joked former director Chris Loranger, in an interview with The Early Edition.

The photograph is one of two Richard Avedon prints purchased by Loranger for $2,000 apiece, in a bid to secure an exhibit by the famed celebrity photographer.

Despite its incredible jump in value, Loranger has no second thoughts about raffling off the portrait.

"You can't look back with regret," he said, explaining that securing a Richard Avedon show was a huge coup for his gallery.

"It worked out really well I think. We got what we wanted, and one guy got a great prize."

Image depicts Monroe's 'sad' side

Bellringer says the image is unique because it captures a candid and vulnerable side of Monroe.

"It's sort of unlike what we would normally see Marilyn as," said Bellringer. 

"She's not quite the breathy blonde. She looks a little bit more sad, actually, and tired."

The gelatin silver print was taken in 1957 in New York City, and is signed by the late photographer.

"She had come to Richard's studio to be photographed and had danced and posed and done Marilyn for hours," said Bellringer.

"This photograph was taken sort of at the end of shoot when she was basically just taking a moment to herself."