For sale: Johns and Picasso pieces from Crichton collection - 08/02/2010

A number of works once owned by author Michael Crichton are to go on sale at Christie's, New York later this year.

The lots likely to generate the most excitement are Picasso's Femme et Fillettes (Woman and Children) and Jasper Johns' masterpiece Flag, which has not been on public display for two decades.

Prior to their sale in New York, the items have been put up for viewing in London.

Brett Gorvy, deputy chairman of Christie's in the Americas, said that the while the entire collection was exciting, Flag was of particular importance.

He said: "[This is a] unique opportunity for collectors and institutions to have access to these works from such an extraordinary private collection.

"Jasper Johns' Flag … is an image which literally changed the course of art history."

Other works to be sold include Studio Painting by Robert Rauschenberg and Girl in Water by Roy Lichtenstein.

Michael Crichton, who wrote hits such as ER and Jurassic Park, died of cancer in 2008.