Photography Collection

After more than 45 years in a personal archive, a limited-edition photography series, "Marilyn Monroe: The Visit," has been released by famed photographer Len Steckler and Eagle National Mint. Shot in December 1961, Steckler's intimate photographs depict a natural, relaxed Monroe during her first visit with poet Carl Sandburg, in Steckler's New York apartment.On a wintry afternoon, Sandburg and Steckler patiently awaited Monroe, who arrived three hours later than planned, claiming she was at the hairdresser's trying to get her hair white to match Sandburg's. The two spent the rest of the afternoon bonding over conversation and cocktails, fostering a new friendship while Steckler quietly observed, his Nikon loaded with black and white film, nothing more than natural Northern light pouring through the windows. Sandburg was 83. Monroe was 35. Steckler kept the negatives from the Monroe and Sandburg encounter in his personal archive for close to 50 years, and has now partnered with collectibles dealer Eagle National Mint for a limited-edition release of nine unique images, available as single-shots and in triptych form (a series of three images). The "Marilyn Monroe: The Visit" limited-edition series will be available for purchase exclusively online at www.thevisitseries.com and by phone at 1.800.521.0454.