Marilyn Monroe: rare photos from makeup artist to be auctioned

Rare photographs of Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe are hitting the auction block at the end of the month.

The never-before-seen photos come from the estate of Monroe's personal makeup artist for 15 years, Allan "Whitey" Snyder. The photos are featured on celebrity auctioneer Darren Julien's lot, Julien's Auctions' Hollywood Legends.

One of the photos from the auction (pictured below) shows Snyder applying Monroe's makeup on the set of the 1960 film, "Let's Make Love." The lot also includes letters, telegrams, and a money clip which Monroe gave to Snyder.

The Hollywood Legends sale is being held on Saturday, March 31, 2012 and Sunday April 1 in Beverly Hills, California. The auction also includes memorabilia from Frank Sinatra, James Dean, Charlie Chaplin and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Monroe died in 1962 at age 36 and remains one of Hollywood's most iconic sex symbols. She is best known for her work in films like "The Seven Year Itch," "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "How to Marry a Millionaire."

Last year, the iconic ivory pleated halter dress Monroe wore in the 1955 film, "The Seven Year I! tch" was sold at auction for $4.6 million. The outfit, which the actress wore in a scene while standing over a subway grate, was part of an auction of Hollywood memorabilia gathered by singer and actress Debbie Reynolds.

Monroe was recently portrayed by actress Michelle Williams in the Oscar-nominated film, "My Week with Marilyn."

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