An unknown 23-year-old model who called herself Marilyn Monroe was divorcing her husband, out of work, hungry, and trying to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She could have worked as a Hollywood waitress (so many other wannabes did at this time) or a dime-a-time dancer, but instead she posed for photographer Tom Kelley on May 27, 1949, at his studio in Hollywood. He suggested she do so nude, based on the post-World War II popularity of Vargas, Al Moore, and other fantasy pin-up girl calendars. Besides, those girls were drawn and painted. Marilyn was real!

      Monroe was paid $50 for the color and black-and-white shots, posing on a red velvet background. The overall atmosphere of the photos was tasteful and artistic because she was told that they were intended for limited distribution. Regardless of any vocal agreement, it was in the fine print of her contract that she had waved "all rights" to the shoot, meaning that the pictures could be sold and used in a variety of venues without her control in perpetuity. Forever.

      The most famous pose from the shoot, known as the "Golden Dreams" image, featured Monroe on her side, propped up on her left elbow, looking at the camera with a dreamy expression, while her legs are crossed at the ankles. "Golden Dreams" was used on various calendars and other publications starting in 1952.

      The Chicago-based company that printed the original calendars, Amalgamated Lithographers, sold the rights to the photographs to a fellow Chicagoan, Hugh Hefner, for $500 in 1953, and Hefner put Marilyn on the cover and centerfold of his new publication, Playboy. The first issue sold between 50,000 and 65,000 copies – which was tremendous for the time – and put Hefner and Playboy on the map and helped propel Monroe's acting career. That same issue sells in the hundreds of dollars to this day.

      It's important to note that the concept of nudity and public perception of such images have evolved significantly since the 1950s. What might have been considered risqué or controversial back then may not be perceived the same way in contemporary times. Nevertheless, Marilyn Monroe's 1949 nude photo shoot remains a significant part of her legacy and the history of American mid-twentieth century popular culture.

      This calendar measures 15.5 x 10 inches. Many others are smaller, a few larger. There is a slight surface tear in the backing paper and Marilyn's picture just above her right hand as pictured above. Measures about 2.5 inches There a couple of small edge crinkles in the Marilyn picture as well, barely visible for up close. Upper right-hand corner has tiny fold. Nail hole is in relatively good condition. Looks like the calendar pad is complete 12 months. 

      The entire calendar is protected by a plexiglass and Masonite board frame that is held together by three strong metal clips as pictured. The entire frame measures 16 x 12 inches (41 x 30 cm). The nameplate is for a Grand Rapids, Michigan, wholesale jeweler that is legitimate as far as we can research. We especially like the "We Mount Anything" slogan underneath the name.

      A must have for legitimate Monroe collectors, especially in the Upper Midwest. Would look awesome in a recreated mid-century garage or auto showroom, hardware store, or the "right" kind of candy store. How about in a mid-century tavern or greasy spoon? An unmatched addition to a pinup or calendar collection. Shipped insured and ever so carefully packed. Check out our many other advertising collectibles in our store at www.ebay.co,/str/agitpropshoppe. As Monroe said, “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”

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