Sotheby's estimates Francis Bacon's gift to his doctor at £6m

Figure In Movement, the late artist's homage to his beloved game of cricket, is for sale at Sotheby's

A 1985 work by the artist that former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once described as "that artist who paints those horrible pictures" will auction at Sotheby's in New York on November 9.

Francis Bacon's (1909-1992) Figure In Movement is being sold by Dr Paul Brass, who was the artist's friend and personal physician. The "Figure" in question is actually a female wearing cricketer's kneepads, reflecting Bacon's love for the sport.

Francis Bacon's Figure In Movement, estimated at £6m

According to reports, the painting was one of two offered to Brass by Bacon, with the other depicting a jet of water. Brass nearly chose the latter, until the painter confessed that the "jet of water" was a mistake from when he accidentally spilled paint on the canvas.

There is, of course, nothing accidental about Figure in Movement. The important Bacon painting is expected to bring £6m when it auctions, next month.

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Images: Sotheby's