Estate of Ernst Beyeler in upcoming New York art sale

Property from the estate of Ernst Beyeler is to be included in an upcoming Christie's auction in New York on May 10, 2012.

The collection from the prominent art dealer will comprise just part of the auction, which will feature arts from Africa, Oceania and the Americas.

Ernst Beyeler Santa Cruz Platter Christies

Santa Cruz Islands platter from the Beyeler Collection

Ernst Beyeler (1921-2010) was one of the most respected figures in international art sales. His name is synonymous with some of the best known artists of the 20^th century, many of whom he knew on a personal level.

Beyeler was renowned in the auction world as both buyer and seller. He famously paid £4.4m at a Christie's sale in 2003 for Picasso's Femme dans une Fauteuil. He and his wife Hildy became avid collectors of art, amassing a large and important collection.

The top lot from Beyeler's collection is a fascinating Santa Cruz Islands platter, estimated at £80,000-120,000. The dish's shape is said to be evocative of Constantin Brancusi's L'Oiseau and represents Beyeler's appreciation of simple, linear forms.

An extremely rare Lega ivory mask, also from the Beyeler collection is expected to make £30,000-50,000. The fantastically expressive mask comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and would have played an essential role in the culture of the Lega people.

The auction is set to offer collectors an array of artefacts and unique items from many of the world's indigenous cultures. Paul Fraser Collectibles provides expert advice on investing in unique collectibles here.