«I LIKE MONEY ON THE WALL»

A Warhol portrait of screen legend Dame Elizabeth Taylor is expected to sell for up to £8 million when it comes up for auction in London later this month, it has been announced. The work, Silver Liz, was created in 1963 and is one of only two images by the artist to feature the actress with violet eyes. Warhol's artwork has not been seen in public for more than 20 years until it went on display at Christie's in London ahead of the sale on June 30. It was painted the year Dame Elizabeth became the first actress to earn one million dollars for a role, and is expected to sell for between £6 million and £8 million. It will be part of a 63-lot evening Post-War and Contemporary Art sale at Christie's with works expected to sell for up to £57 million. Artists such as Koons, Lichtenstein and Basquiat will also figure in the sale.Francis Outred, head of post-war and contemporary art at Christie's Europe, said: "Andy Warhol is arguably the most influential artist of the post-war years, and his work continues to draw increasing levels of global interest and produce strong results at auction."

-The Press Association
June 7 2010