London, Jan 7 : A bronze sculpture of a young ballet dancer created by renowned French artist Degas is set to go under the hammer, and is expected to fetch up to 12 million pounds.
The Little Dancer (Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans) has been put on sale by Sir John Madejski, the millionaire chairman of Reading football club.
The bronze figure, originally made from wax circa 1879-81, will be auctioned at Sotheby''s in London on February 3.
The wax figure was found in the artist''s studio after his death in 1917 and cast in bronze in 1922.
Sotheby''s Melanie Clore said that work is expected to fetch between 9 million pounds and 12 million pounds.