Among other highlighted items to be auctioned Dec. 10 is the famous nude portrait of Marilyn Monroe by photographer Tom Kelley - the image that helped launch her career and became the most famous pin-up in Hollywood history. Recently rediscovered, it is the only known example of the famous photo that Monroe actually signed. Thought lost in a devastating fire, this signed photograph is inscribed by Marilyn to her dear friend, Academy Award-winning costume designer Bill Travilla, who created many of her most spectacular screen-worn costumes. Measuring a full 16 x 20 inches, Marilyn personally autographed this photograph to Travilla. It is estimated by Maddalena to sell for between $20,000 and $30,000.
Also up for auction Dec. 10 will be Travilla's original costume design of the single most famous dress in Hollywood history - the billowy, white crepe halter-top dress and sunburst-pleated skirt he created for Monroe for her classic subway wind scene in the 1955 Billy Wilder film The Seven Year Itch, which exposed Marilyn's legs and thighs to the world. Accomplished in gouache on a 15 x 20 inch sheet of artist's illustration board, it is Travilla's original concept drawing of this famous dress. Ranked as the most important costume design ever created for film, it is expected it to sell for between $80,000 and $100,000. In addition, Profiles in History will auction an exact duplicate copy of Monroe's famous white dress made by Travilla as a backup during production of The Seven Year Itch.
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Produced for Profiles In History
