Playboy magazine has curated a remarkable collection of Marilyn Monroe's nude photographs to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic starlet's death. The exclusive release delves into Playboy's extensive archive of 10 million photos, showcasing rare shots of Monroe throughout her career.
Playboy's editorial director, Jimmy Jellinek, emphasized that the collection, titled "The Nude Marilyn," presents the entirety of their archive, spanning from the beginning to almost the final days of Monroe's life. The package includes carefully selected photographs, along with editorials by Roger Ebert and Kim Morgan, recollections from Playboy Publisher Hugh Hefner, and an excerpt by novelist John Updike.
Playboy has a historical connection with Monroe, as she was the cover girl for the magazine's inaugural issue. The famous photograph by Tom Kelley featuring Monroe on red velvet cloth, purchased by Hefner, is credited by Ebert as playing a pivotal role in legitimizing nudity for the magazine.
The December cover feature promises to showcase the full spectrum of Monroe's beauty and power. The nude photos span from her early days as a pin-up girl to her final pictorials with renowned photographers. Notably, one of the images by Lawrence Schiller is the last nude photo taken of Monroe, just two days before her death.
Ebert writes about Monroe's special connection with her fans, noting that she exuded a sense of control, giving people permission to embrace vulnerability. The collection captures Monroe's duality, showcasing her as both the glamorous actress and the fragile, damaged Norma Jean.
The photographs were taken in various settings, including movie sets, her home, and by her pool. Jellinek highlighted the two personas within Monroe, stating that she was "Marilyn Monroe, the glamorous actress, and Norma Jean, the fragile, damaged little girl."
Hugh Hefner's statement reflects his admiration for Monroe's control and power in her nudity. He recalls, "She was most in control when she was in the nude. What would be a position of vulnerability for others was a position of power for her." Hefner, delighted with the spread, particularly appreciates the gold foil cover.
This exclusive Playboy edition pays homage to Marilyn Monroe's enduring legacy, capturing the essence of her beauty, vulnerability, and the complex interplay between her public and private personas.
