Francis Bacon painting may fetch $23M

LONDON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Painter Francis Bacon's "Study for Portrait II" is expected to draw bids in the range of $23 million in an upcoming auction at Christie's in London.

The sale of "Study of Portrait II" could mark a record for the artist as well, the Times of London reported.

The painting was on display for the first time since 1963 at Christie's auction house on Monday.

Christie's described the painting as one of Bacon's most important works to appear at auction. The record for one of the artist's works is $15 million, set at New York's Sotheby's in November.