The oil panel is a study of a late-19th century French painting of an unknown black woman which has been attributed variously to Delacroix and Fromentin at various times. It is estimated at £30,000-50,000.
Blake studied the original picture, which is part of the National Gallery’s permanent collection, during his two years as associate artist at the London institution. The vendor took possession of the picture in the 1980s in a part-exchange property deal with Cork Street gallery owner Niall Haigh. The oil panel is offered as part of Rowley’s two day sale of antiques, fine art and decorative furnishings on September 5-6.
Blake is famed for his Pop art creations, particularly his work on The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album.
