Early 16th century Raphael sketch could sell for up to 16 million pounds
If it nudges over 16.2 million pounds, the work, called Head of a Muse, will double the record for an Old Master drawing sold at auction.
Raphael's 1508 drawing was made as a working draft for his famous fresco Parnassus, one of four he was commissioned to paint by Pope Julius II in the Stanza della Segnatura in the Vatican.
Created between 1508 and 1511, the fresco series is seen as Raphael's greatest masterpiece.
At the same time his rival Michelangelo was painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling, less than 100 yards away.
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Raphael's 1508 drawing was made as a working draft for his famous fresco Parnassus, one of four he was commissioned to paint by Pope Julius II in the Stanza della Segnatura in the Vatican.
Created between 1508 and 1511, the fresco series is seen as Raphael's greatest masterpiece.
At the same time his rival Michelangelo was painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling, less than 100 yards away.