A painting of Sue Tilley, who found fame after artist Lucian Freud depicted her in the nude, will be auctioned next month with a price estimate of up to $US47 million ($A65 million).
Sleeping by the Lion Carpet (1995-1996) is the last of four portraits the late British artist painted of Tilley, a benefits supervisor and considered among his greatest works.
Depicting her naked and sleeping in an armchair, the painting has been part of businessman Joe Lewis's family collection since 1996. It is being offered at auction for the first time at Sotheby's with a price estimate of $US33.56 million to $US46.99 million.
