A rare photograph of Katharine Hepburn taken by famed aviator and filmmaker Howard Hughes around 1937 has recently resurfaced along with some of her personal love letters.These items, originating from Hughes' personal belongings, are being auctioned through Profiles in History.The letters reveal a passionate romance between Hepburn and Hughes, with Hepburn even referring to herself as his fiancée in one handwritten note.

Despite Hughes’ repeated proposals, Hepburn never agreed to marry him, and their relationship ended before she met her lifelong partner, Spencer Tracy.

In her autobiography 'Me: Stories of My Life,' Hepburn reflects on their three-year relationship, suggesting that ambition ultimately outweighed love in their choices.

The auction of these personal items provides a fascinating glimpse into the private life of one of Hollywood’s most legendary actresses and her connection with a figure as intriguing as Howard Hughes.