A unique selection of rare works of art on paper from the Triton Collection Foundation will be offered by Christie's across several sales in Paris and London in 2015 and 2016.

The collection is one of the most important holdings of works on paper in private hands

The collection spans over three centuries of art history, with emphasis on the most important avant-garde movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. Included are pieces by Picasso, Pissarro, Cezanne and Dali.

The first sale will be held during Paris' Salon du Dessin on March 25, with Gino Severini's (1883-1966) La modiste (pictured second from right) expected to lead bids at $608,500-$913,000.

Also featuring in the Paris sale is La boija by Pablo Picasso, a 1900 ink, gouache and pastel work that provides a haunting image of a woman by the sea. It was created as a magazine illustration just prior to Picasso's first solo exhibition in Paris, and is valued at $456,500- 760,500.

The piece was part of a series of commercial work that Picasso undertook to raise funds for his move to Paris while in Barcelona. Art historian John Richardson said of it: "Unlike the other illustrations, this one hints at the greatness to come".

The London sale will be held on June 24, with works on paper by Edouard Manet and Marc Chagall expected to highlight.

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