Legend of the silver screen and global icon Marilyn Monroe has managed to remain a mystery to almost everyone since her death in 1962, despite the fact that she was one of the most photographed women in the world at the height of her fame. Having spent much of her childhood in foster homes, she would later become fiercely private about her personal life, which seemed at odds with her love of the camera.

For years, fans have cherished the many still photos of Marilyn because of the sense of familiarity they impart with the star, and now there are brand new pictures to add to that list.

Make-up artist Allan “Whitey” Snyder was a good friend of Marilyn’s; the two had a working relationship for almost 20 years, and in that time he took many photos of her, several of which have never been seen. Reportedly, he would do photo shoots with her to calm her down when she was feeling nervous. Snyder died in 1994, but his estate has only just gone up for auction, and the pictures are included.

Martin Nolan of Julien’s Auction House gave the Today Show a glimpse of some of the photos that will be included in the auction, which begins on March 31st.

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Last year’s “My Week With Marilyn“, starring Michelle Williams as the movie star/singer, garnered two Oscar nominations and brought the icon back into the spotlight. She received an official Twitter page last month.

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