Warhol's Elvis portrait could fetch $41m at Christie's sale

A painting by Andy Warhol called Double Elvis [Ferus Type] (1963) is displayed at Christie's auction rooms in London. It is expected to fetch $41 million when it goes to auction. Photo / AP

An Andy Warhol painting of Elvis Presley — the artist's only full-length portrait — is for sale with an estimated price tag of US$30 million ($41m).

Double Elvis (Ferus Type) depicts the hip-swivelling musician holding a revolver, as he appeared in the 1960 Western Flaming Star.

Paintings by Andy Warhol called 'Most Wanted Men No. 11, John Joseph H., Jr.' (1964), left, and 'Double Elvis [Ferus Type]' (1963) are displayed at Christie's auction rooms in London. Photo / AP

The 1963 black-on-silver portrait is being auctioned by Christie's in New York on May 17, alongside Warhol's Most Wanted Men No. 11, John Joseph H., Jr.

One of a series of mug shot images created by Warhol for the 1964 New York World's Fair, it's also expected to fetch US$30 million.

The portraits are on display at Christie's London showroom from Friday until April 10.

Christie's contemporary art chairman Alex Rotter says the paintings are "very memorable and early examples of Warhol's profound understanding of fame."

- AP