Demi Moore to sell paintings from her collection

Demi Moore is set to put two paintings from her collection of 19th century European art up for sale, including a French work which inspired the actress, due to the artist's depiction of strong women.

William Bouguereau's Frere et Soeur, an oil painting of a young woman tenderly holding her baby brother, could fetch up to $1.5 million at Sotheby's on November 4.

It was painted in 1887 by the French artist, whose work is enjoying renewed interest.

Moore's other painting, Mere et Ses Enfants by Belgian painter Alfred Stevens, is estimated to bring up to $2,00,000.

"With the renovation and new direction our home is taking, it is time for a change," the Telegraph quoted Moore as saying.

The actress acquired the works in 1995 at a Christie's auction, paying $1,78,500 for Frere et Soeur and $2,00,500 for the Stevens painting.