Two Francis Bacon self-portraits are going on public display for the first time after they were rediscovered in a private collection.

London skyline

London skyline Image by Paul Wilkinson / CC BY 2.0

Experts knew of the existence of the works, but had no idea who had bought the paintings soon after they were completed around 40 years ago. Now descendants of the original collector have decided to sell the portraits, which are estimated to fetch £15 million each at auction.

Self-Portrait 1975, painted at the height of Bacon’s career, and the triptych Three Studies for Self-Portrait (1980), will go on show at Sotheby’s in London and New York before going under the hammer in July.

(Press Association)