Bonhams will be offering an impressive array of important works in their upcoming 9th December Old Master Paintings Sale at their New Bond Street saleroom.

Amongst some of the marvellous paintings on offer is a pair of captivating still life oils by Johannes Christianus Roedig (1751-1802). The first of these depicts an arrangement of tulips, roses and other flowers in a classical urn, overturned by a mischievous cat chasing a mouse. The second features a similar arrangement of fruit and flowers in a wicker basket balanced on a marble plinth.

It is quite exceptional for two examples of Roedig's work to appear on the market and thus Bonhams anticipates significant interest in this notable lot, estimated to sell for £700,000-900,000. This pair of paintings presents a unique opportunity to acquire the highest calibre of Roedig's work and, rather remarkably, have remained as a pair since their creation.

Elsewhere, François Boucher's (1703-1770) Les caresses dangeureuses is a 1730/1732 autograph work by Boucher related to Joseph de Longeuil's engraving of the same name. This charming portrait is beautifully detailed and is expected to sell for £80,000 – 120,000.

For those with a penchant for the more paranormal, Bonhams will also be selling a portrait linked to the ghostly tale of a boy, believed to have had the power to 'fix' people in a state of temporary paralysis with a single glance. The Portrait of David Papillon (1691-1762) by John Baptist Closterman (1660-1713) depicts this deeply feared individual standing full-length, holding a bow and quiver with a spaniel at his side. Legend has it that David Papillon was believed to have been in league with the Devil; it was said that he kept a Spanish mistress at his home, Papillon Hall, whom he later murdered. Some years later in 1903, a skeleton of a woman was found walled up in the east attic. This remarkable painting is estimated to sell for £8,000 – 12,000.

Andrew McKenzie, Director of Old Masters at Bonhams comments: "With the market continuing to show a huge demand for fresh pictures of the highest quality which are in outstanding condition, I am very excited about the prospects of the sale, particularly for the Roedigs and the Boucher."

Catalogues are published on our website and may be ordered (£20) at subscriptions@bonhams.com

For more information please contact Francesca Tarrant or Rosie Kempson at The Communication Group on 0207 630 1411 or email ftarrant@thecommunicationgroup.co.uk / rkempson@thecommunicationgroup.co.uk