Winston Churchill Portrait Study Set for Auction

A preparatory study of Winston Churchill by Graham Sutherland, once rejected by the former Prime Minister, will be auctioned in June.

The study, a more favorable depiction of Churchill, contrasts with the final portrait he despised and had destroyed.
Sotheby's estimates the auction price between £500,000 and £800,000; the piece will be displayed in multiple locations before the sale.
The original portrait, commissioned for Churchill's 80th birthday, was infamously burned after being deemed 'filthy and malignant' by him.
This sale marks the first time the study has been auctioned, having been in private hands since its creation in 1954.
The artwork has garnered increased interest following its portrayal in the Netflix series 'The Crown.'