Christie’s London to Offer Rare Bacon and Freud Masterpiece in June

May 21st, 2008


Lucian Freud, Naked Portrait with Reflection
, (1980) via Evening Standard

Following the success of Post-war and Contemporary art sales in New York, Christies has announced they will offer a rare Francis Bacon painting and a Lucian Freud masterpiece for his London auction. These two pieces are considered the most valuable and important works to come up for auction.

Boom for Bacon and Freud [Evening Standard]
Freud Masterpiece and Bacon Triptych Highlight Christie’s London Auction [ArtDaily]

Francis Bacon’s Three Studies for a Self Portrait, (1975), has never been seen by the public or auctioned previously. The piece was influenced by George Dyer’s suicide, Bacon’s lover. This piece is estimated to fetch around £10 million ($20 million).

Francis Bacon, Three Studies for a Self Portrait, (1975) via Evening Standard

Lucian Freud’s Naked Portrait with Reflection, (1980) is estimated to sell between £10 million to £15 million ($20 to $30 million). This piece was acquired by auction 1998 and displayed for the public to view.

The Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale will be held on Monday, June 30.  The Post-War and Contemporary Art Day Sales will take place the next day, on Tuesday, July 1.