BBC News Online: Entertainment

Versace art for sale

The designer's art collection is estimated to be worth between $5m (£3.3m) and $m (£4.7m) and includes The Death of Cenchirias, Son of Neptune by 19th Century French painter Sophie Rude.

Family spokesman Lou Colasuonno said: "He had a great eye and he had the means and he just collected brilliantly."

Versace was renowned for his flamboyant designs and his taste in art reflects his boldness.

Among the furnishings are a pair of Venetian rococo-style mirrors, a Charles X imitation gold console and pieces designed by Versace himself.

Sotheby's describes these furnishings as "a brilliant blend of Mediterranean influence and South Beach Miami style".

The designer was gunned down outside his Miami Beach home by Andrew Cunanan who was later found dead.

In December 1999, 25 Picassos owned by Versace made £10.8m in an auction at Sotheby's in London.

The auction will take place in New York on 5, 6 and 7 April.