The second part of Milton H Greene's extraordinary archive of Marilyn Monroe photographs was offered in Poland yesterday (December 17), with a stunning shot of the star in preparation for the Prince and the Showgirl selling as top lot.

Guilaroff was widely considered the greatest hairdresser in the history of the movies

The photograph sold for $12,883, making an impressive 100% increase on the $6,439 high estimate.

The Polish government-hosted auction aimed to recoup losses it had accrued from an embezzlement scandel involving Chicago businessman Dino Matingas, who originally owned the collection.

The images were all taken by Milton H Greene, who shot the intimate photographs of Monroe as her friend and business partner between 1953 and 1957. Many of the prints were made while Monroe was still alive, increasing their appeal to collectors.

The top lot was one such image, having been printed and therefore likely seen by Monroe in 1956. It shows the star at the residence of prominent hairstylist Sydney Guilaroff, having received a new style in preparation for her 1957 film, The Prince and the Showgirl.

One of Marilyn's most famous shots, it has been reproduced around the world

Also sharing the $12,883 realisation was a stunning pair of colour photographs of Marilyn Monroe in a ballerina dress. The iconic ballerina image, one of the most famous ever taken of Monroe, was also the highlight of the first auction of the collection, with a black and white print selling for $20,000.

Paul Fraser Collectibles has a stunning range of Marilyn Monroe items for sale, including her rare high school graduation photograph as well as a number of signed pieces.