Christie’s has revealed three stunning highlights by Lucian Freud, Lord Frederic Leighton, and Sir Joshua Reynolds from its upcoming June 30 “Defining British Art” Evening Sale in London which will mark the launch of the auction house’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations.The three major figurative paintings, all from major private collections, include Lucian Freud’s “Ib and Her Husband” 1992, Lord Frederic Leighton’s “Golden Hours” 1864, and “Portrait of Lucy Long, Mrs George Hardinge” by Sir Joshua Reynolds, P.R.A.Lucian Freud’s intimate family portrait is being offered with an estimate in the region of £18 million, Lord Frederic Leighton’s masterpiece of British Aestheticism, appearing at auction for the first time in 100 years, has an estimate of £3-5 million, and the Sir Joshua Reynolds an estimate of £2-3 million.These three paintings will be included in a Loan Exhibition presenting outstanding British art works that have been handled by Christie’s in the last 250 years. The “Defining British Art: Loan Exhibition” will open free to the public from June 17 to July 15.Commenting on the sale, Jussi Pylkkänen, Global President of Christie’s International, said: “On the night of 30 June here in London we will hold a landmark sale of major paintings and sculpture to celebrate our 250th year.”“The auction will be the first sale of its kind to span four centuries of great British painting from Sir Joshua Reynolds to Frederic, Lord Leighton and Lucian Freud. Our specialists from across the globe have worked together to curate what promises to be a fascinating overview of the very best of British Art.”For more information visit the Christie’s website here
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