BLOCK PARTY

Landmark pieces from the worlds of politics, pop and art go under the hammer in May

LONG WALK TO FREEDOM BONHAMS HONG KONG MAY 22

In 2004, Nelson Mandela painted six separate images of his hands and arms breaking free from manacles to celebrate liberty after

27 years in prison. The images, titled Freedom, were reproduced as lithographs in a limited edition of 30 sets, and 30 leading South African and international artists were invited to add their original work to the prints. The six painted by acclaimed Singaporean artist Tan Swie Hian are being sold as a set at Bonhams’ Prints, Photographs and Works on Paper sale (estimate: HK$700,000–1.1M). bonhams.com

RATHER NICE INDEED CHRISTIE’S NEW YORK MAY 13

This Pierre-auguste Renoir painting—

Le vieux Nice, vu d’une fenêtre (oil on canvas, 1918)—was in the private collection of the late Jacqueline Delubac, the famous French actress, art collector and third wife of Sacha Guitry, who acquired it in 1979. Estimate: US$150,000–200,000. christies.com

WE WILL ROCK YOU JULIEN’S AUCTIONS, NEW YORK MAY 21

Live your bohemian rhapsody in this red-and-white military-inspired jacket designed by Diana Moseley and worn by Freddie Mercury on Queen’s 1986 Magic Tour, Freddie’s last with the band. The sale takes place at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square. Estimate: US$60,000– 80,000. juliensauctions.com

HELLO, IT’S ME SOTHEBY’S NEW YORK MAY 11

A rare Francis Bacon self-portrait—

Two Studies for a Self-portrait (1970)—appears at auction for the first time, having been in the same private collection since soon after it was painted more than 45 years ago. Widely acknowledged as the finest self-portrayal Bacon ever produced, it has an estimate of Us$22m–30m. sothebys.com