Warhol's silver Liz up for auction

A Warhol portrait of screen legend Dame Elizabeth Taylor is expected to sell for up to £8 million when it comes up for auction later this month, it was announced yesterday.

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 yesterday ahead of the sale on June 30.

It was painted the year Dame Elizabeth became the first actress to earn $1million 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.