A NEWLY discovered painting by one of Belfast's best known artists is to be auctioned for up to £150,000.
Sir John Lavery is believed to have painted 'In Morocco' during a trip to Tangier in 1920.
Auction House Bonhams said it has been part of a family art collection since the 1930s, but had recently been rediscovered.
Sir John, who was originally from north Belfast, regarded Morocco as a "home from home" after first visiting in the early 1890s and later acquiring a home there.
The war years interrupted his regular visits until the hostilities ended in late 1919.
He returned to Tangier in 1920 for what would turn out to be the final time and during the trip painted 'In Morocco'. It is to be auctioned in Bonhams Modern British and Irish Art sale in London on June 30 with a list guide of £100,000 - £150,000.
Matthew Bradbury from Bonhams said: "In Morocco has been part of the same family collection since it was acquired in the 1930s and it's rediscovery is a major event.
"It is one of several works that Lavery painted in early 1920 either in his house in Dar-el-Midfah, Tangier or in the Villa Harris where the Laverys were staying while their own home was being prepared.
"The exact identity of the three figures in the painting is unknown but they may be the Earl and Countess of Pembroke and their daughter, Lady Patricia Herbert who were in Tangier at the time and visited the Laverys.
"It is by any measure a wonderful work and a fine example of the family rendez-vous portraits for which Lavery was renowned."
