Before she was famous... The 1940s pin-up shots that earned Marilyn Monroe $10 an hour and put her on the path to stardom

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

Marilyn Monroe has been heralded as one of the most glamorous women of the 20th century.

So it is no surprise that when the former Norma Jeane Mortenson teamed up with pinup photographer Earl Moran, the result would be anything short of stunning.

When these photographs were taken in the late 1940s, the naturally-brunette starlet was working as a model for Blue Book Modeling Agency and was paid $10 an hour for the shoot.

The images were curated byGrapefruit Moon Gallery.

Some like it sleepy: The luminous Marilyn Monroe was shot by photographer Earl Moran in a series of intimate photographs

Not shy: These pictures, taken by Moran, echo his other works of pinup women of the 1940s and 50s

At ease: The 50s bombshell was not shy about showing off her enviable figure in various poses

Working it: Ms Monroe was at ease with the camera, even in the 1940s

 

Wide range of talents: In the series of photographs, she uses heels and hats to her great advantage

Domestic bliss: A sensual and sheer Marilyn pulls baked goods out of a suitcase wearing an enticing nightgown and an irresistible expression

Classic: The actress, model, and singer has been remembered throughout the decades for her talent, beauty, poise, and style