Picasso boost for research

Millions of pounds will be raised for medical research when a Picasso masterpiece goes under the hammer next week.

The Spanish artist's portrait of his lover and muse, Marie-Thrse Walter, was donated to the University of Sydney last year by an anonymous donor on condition it was sold, with the proceeds funding scientific research.

The painting, called Jeune fille endormie - young girl sleeping - is expected to fetch between 9 million and 12m at Christie's Impressionist and Modern Art sale in London.

Giovanna Bertazzoni, director of Impressionist and modern art at the auction house, said it was "an absolute jewel of a painting by one of the great artistic geniuses of western art".

She added: "The portrait will be offered at auction for the first time, having only ever been seen in public once before."