The late Elizabeth Taylor has been photographed countless of times. But this is the first time a photo of her in all her naked glory has been released.

The photo, which sources say was taken when the actress was still about 24 years old, was supposedly the actress’ engagement gift to her then fiancee and third husband, Michael Todd. The photo was taken by the actress’ close friend and photographer actor, Roddy McDowall who promised her that it would be an artful photograph.

The relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Todd was short-lived when the actor died in a tragic accident, 13 months into their marriage. And then the photo was believed to be left in the care of the actress’ assistant, Penny Taylor but was bought by a private collector in the 80′s.

The collector is Jim Shaudis, who is said to have this photo displayed in his house. He is also responsible for releasing the said photo to the press, which many think may be done in bad taste.

After Elizabeth Taylor’s death, a lot of rumors have come up. Some of these are even rumors about the circumstances of her birth. According to a British tabloid:

Most recently it has been claimed that she was born at a ‘swingers’ party’ in a Cheshire village, rather than London, which is what is written on her birth certificate.

It was said that her father, the art dealer Francis Taylor, and his actress wife Sara regularly attended disreputable gatherings in the village and were said to be ‘the swingers of their day’.

It has also been claimed that she was the product of an affair and her real father was actually the millionaire Conservative MP Victor Cazalet, who became her godfather.