L'Artiste et Son Modele by Raoul Dufy (1877-1953) could make $1.2m-1.8m when it crosses the block at Sotheby's impressionist and modern art day sale in New York on May 8.

The work dates to 1929 and displays the vibrant composition and colours that characterise the fauvist's work.

Raoul Dufy is among the best known fauvist painters

The French artist developed his distinctive style after seeing Matisse's Luxe, Calme et Volupte, an early fauvist piece, in Paris in 1905.

It was an entirely revelatory experience, leading to his now famous declaration: "At the sight of this picture I understood all the new reasons for painting, and Impressionist realism lost its charm for me as I contemplated the miracle of the imagination introduced into design and colour."

In 2010, Dufy's Voiliers et Barques dans le Port sold for $2.5m at Christie's in Paris.

Tete de Femme by Kees Van Dongen (1877-1968) carries an estimate of $800,000-1.2m.

Van Dongen was another painter working in the fauvist - or "wild beast" style, who is best known for his distinctive portraits of women.

His work was featured in the 1905 Salon d'Automne exhibition alongside Matisse and Derain - the very same exhibition where Dufy had his revelation.

Many of the artists involved in the fauvist movement would go on to become some of the best-known names in the history of art.

We have this postcard signed by Pablo Picasso, who was heavily influenced by the fauves.

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