First ever image of Frankenstein’s Monster in print set to go on auction

Mr O Smith as the Monster in Frankenstein - (John Duncombe, courtesy of Forum Auctions)

For many horror fans, the words “Frankenstein’s Monster” conjure up vivid images from the golden age of Hollywood, but a rare image of the character – due to go on auction this week – suggests early interpretations of the creature were a lot different to current perceptions.

First created by Mary Shelley in her groundbreaking 1818 novel, Frankenstein’s Monster has become a cultural institution in the horror genre, having been made famous on screen by Boris Karloff in the 1931 movie adaptation.