Picasso masterpiece may fetch £9m

A Picasso masterpiece not seen by the public for 60 years went on show in London today and is expected to fetch up to £9million at auction next month.

The painting Nu au Collier (Nude with a Necklace) captures the height of the artist's relationship with young love Marie-Therese Walters, who became one of his favourite subjects.

Christie's expects the painting, which will go under the hammer on 23 June, to be the "highlight" of its annual sale of Impressionist art. Spokeswoman Alexandra Kindermann said: "This is a major event for us. It is estimated to fetch between £6million and £9million, but could go higher."

Nu au Collier dates from 1932, five years after Picasso, then 42, met 17-year-old Marie-Therese in Paris. He stopped her in the street and said: "I am Picasso. You and I are going to do great things together."