A rare original painting of Sir Sean Connery as James Bond is expected to fetch up to £300,000 at auction.

The artwork, by American illustrator Robert McGinnis, was used on posters for the 1971 film Diamonds Are Forever.

It shows Edinburgh-born Sir Sean as 007 wearing a tuxedo and holding a gun while standing between two bikini-clad women.

McGinnis’ classic art featured in many promotional materials for the film, and he worked on several other Bond projects, including Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, The Man with the Golden Gun and Live and Let Die.

When McGinnis first painted the image, Bond was the same height as the two women.

However, when he sent it to the film’s marketing department, they insisted Bond should be taller than the women, as he is the main character. With no time to start again, McGinnis carefully cut Bond out and moved him up, with the cuts still evident on the painting.

The painting will go under the hammer at Propstore’s Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction in London next month and has been given an estimate of £150,000 to £300,000.

A description of the artwork reads: ‘Poster campaign artwork hand-painted by renowned artist Robert McGinnis for the promotion of Guy Hamilton’s Bond film Diamonds are Forever.

‘This hand-painted piece features Bond (Sean Connery) standing, weapon drawn, between two women.

‘The artwork is rendered in oil and gouache, and mounted on acid-free card. It has had previous water and mould damage at the centre and more noticeably at the bottom. A section of the bottom of the artwork has also been trimmed.’

Sir Sean, who died aged 90 in 2020 following a battle with dementia, played Bond seven times, starting with ‘Dr No’ in 1962.

His portrayal defined the suave secret agent for a generation of fans.

The Propstore auction features a total 1,800 rare and iconic artefacts worn or used by stars including Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Tom Hardy, Elizabeth Taylor, Tom Hanks, Clint Eastwood, Sarah Jessica Parker and Michael J. Fox.

The event will also feature the largest-ever auction of Noel Gallagher’s guitars, handwritten ‘Wonderwall’ lyrics, and other Oasis memorabilia.

Stephen Lane, founder and chief executive officer of Propstore, said: ‘Following our Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction in Los Angeles this August where Indiana Jones’ hat achieved a record-breaking $630,000, we are delighted to announce our UK sale.

‘This event will feature truly remarkable items from cinematic legends.’

Propstore’s auction will commence live at BAFTA’s headquarters London on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 November, with online-only sessions for days three and four on 16 and 17 November.