A signed photograph of Mailyn Monroe is a rare surviving test shot of the young star and captures an important personal relationship.
The picture, a behind-the-scenes shot of a costume test used a publicity handout, is for sale now with British collectibles specialists Paul Fraser Collectibles.
Marilyn is shown in a full-length portrait alongside a board describing the scene for which she is dressed.
Monroe, whose personal struggles are as much a part of her legend as her on-screen luminosity, has added a deeply personal inscription.
“To Renie – someone with feelings, I’m more grateful than words can ever express, love and thanks, Marilyn.”
Renie was costume designer Renie Conley, who worked under her first name only. The high point of her long designing career came with her Oscar-winning work on Cleopatra, the Burton-Taylor epic of 1963.
The 25-year-old star met the costume designer, born 1901, when they worked together on 1951 rom-com Love Nest.
The message is clearly written in green fountain-pen ink. Image courtesy Paul Fraser Collectibles.
Although no great classic, the film gave Marilyn one of a number of roles that saw her catch increasing critical plaudits as she transitioned from decorative bit-part player to her first lead in Niagara (1953).
Paul Fraser Collectibles chairman, Paul Fraser, says the picture’s quality adds to its rarity.
“I’ve never seen another signed copy of this portrait,” he said. “It’s likely only a handful of these original early photos survive. Because these behind-the-scenes studio test shoots were not widely used as publicity photographs.”
Monroe worked with Renie three times in 1951.
And from her inscription, it’s clear that Monroe valued their relationship during this early period in her career,” Mr Fraser adds.
Although she died 62 years ago, Marilyn is still a major draw for collectors.
In fact, she seems to be growing in popularity as time goes on.
Costume designer Renie, shown here in 1945, was obviously a supportive colleague to young Marilyn Monroe.
One of the most famous Marilyn pictures dates from 1953. A signed gift to her baseball-star husband Joe DiMaggio.
In 2006 it sold for $70,000.
In 2022 for $300,000.
Since then it’s reckoned to have put on another 50% to hit a value of $450,000.
She is by some distance the most valuable and collectible Hollywood star.
Her “Happy Birthday Mr President” dress is probably the most valuable dress ever sold at auction, realising $4.8 million in 2011. Kim Kardashian wore it in 2022 and reminded the world why they loved Marilyn.
This photograph is for sale, direct from Paul Fraser Collectibles for £25,000.
“Marilyn Monroe signed photographs this good are a scarce commodity,” Mr Fraser said. “They’re hard to find, and they seldom appear on the market.”
