A sculpture of the painter Willem De Kooning by the French-born artist Marisol Escobar is to auction with a $200,000-300,000 estimate at Wright.

The work, hand carved from oak and ash and dating to 1980, will lead the February 27 art and design sale in Chicago.

Marisol produced The Portrait of Willem De Kooning in 1980

Marisol (born in 1930) has enjoyed a long and distinguished career. 

Despite her involvement in some of the most influential artistic movements of the 20th century (pop art and abstract expressionism in particular), she works in a distinct and idiosyncratic style that remains adrift from convention.

The Portrait of Willem de Kooning (1980), with whom she was briefly romantically involved, was formerly held in the collection of Joseph and Janet Sheine - a major collection of American outsider art.

Milton Avery's Young Mother (1934) is another highlight, valued at $70,000-90,000.

Avery (1885-1965) is something of an artist's artist, regarded by both critics and peers as perhaps the greatest American colourist.

His paintings remain out of reach of easy categorisation, although his style draws ready comparisons to the work of Matisse.  

In May last year a new world record was set for Avery's work when his Music Makers (1947) achieved $2.9m at an American art auction at Sotheby's in New York.

We have a range of art and photography memorabilia available to purchase.

Follow the link to our free newsletter for the latest on art and other collectibles direct to your inbox.