MELBOURNE.- Bonhams Australia is to auction 119 rare artworks sourced directly from the estate of Sir Sidney Nolan, in what is in effect the biggest retrospective of the artist’s work put on public display for decades.

The sale of paintings from the latter part of Nolan’s life – including the last painting he ever painted – is an extraordinary opportunity to buy artwork directly from the estate of this internationally renowned 20th century artist.

Bonham’s chairman Mark Fraser said many of the works had not been viewed in public for many years, and included rare Ned Kelly paintings from the 1950s, '60s and '90s as well as works from other major series such as his African paintings, Gallipoli soldiers, and Adelaide Women.

“As well as some really fantastic, iconic images, Bonhams is offering many quirky, moderately priced works that show a side of Nolan that is little known,” Mr Fraser said.

“This is a unique opportunity to secure a painting by one of the giants of Australian art.”

One of the auction highlights is the final lot in the sale, Shot, 1991, which is also the last work ever painted by Nolan, who died the following year. It marks the dramatic finale to his Ned Kelly series, arguably the most famous set of paintings in contemporary Australian art.

Original works on paper are estimated from $1500, Ned Kelly paintings are from $5,000 and large oil paintings from $8,000.