An octogenarian lensman yesterday unveiled never-before-seen photos of Marilyn Monroe lounging around a New York apartment with poet Carl Sandburg nine months before her death.

“It was serendipitous with these icons in their moment, and me there with my camera,” retired fashion photographer Len Steckler said of the 1961 day the two showed up at his apartment.

Monroe, then 35, is seen wearing thick-rimmed sunglasses and a short-sleeve dress while talking to an 83-year-old Sandburg.

“As we know, Marilyn loved older men; she loved intellectuals — and Carl was very parental with her,” Steckler said. “It was a lovely thing to see.”

After the shoot, he said, they all drank whiskey.

Steckler is now selling four single images and two triptychs (pictures in three parts) for $1,999 to $3,999.