DALLAS, TX.- Entering the Cellar by Anders Zorn, a major work and a singular example of his unique perspective and direct stroke impressionist technique, could sell for $400,000+ in Heritage Auctions' European Art Signature® Auction Nov. 8 in Dallas.

Spending at least the last 40 years in private collections, Entering the Cellar resonates with Zorn's most popular themes of portraiture, rural life and an unconventional frame of reference. Entering the Cellar and Little Girl in Traditional Dress, a second work by Zorn and expected to bring $50,000+, both appear at auction to benefit Southern Methodist University and Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas.

In fact, many of the top works in the sale come to auction predominately from private collections found in Texas, said Brian Roughton, Director of American and European Art at Heritage.

"This auction reflects the sophistication of Texas collectors who sought excellent examples of European Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces for generations," Roughton said. "Many of these excellent outstanding examples of paintings, sculpture and prints are fresh to market and underscore the quality of work behind each artist."

Highlights include a reduction of August Rodin's The Kiss, standing 15-2/4" high, which was discovered in a private collection in Amarillo, Texas, and is expected to sell for $250,000+. Ranking alongside The Thinker as one of Rodin's most recognizable works, Le Baiser, third reduction, was designed in 1886 with the cast executed between 1905 and 1910, according to Jérôme Le Blay, who has added the work to an upcoming catalogue critique de l'oeuvre based on the artist's life work.

Two featured works by Henri Martin, found in an important private collection in San Antonio — Petit bassin près de la tonnelle sud de Marquayrol (Jardin de l'Artiste) or Small Pond near the south arbor Marquayrol (Garden of the Artist), and Charmille — are each estimated to sell for $150,000+. The Nov. 8 auction marks the first time the two works have been available for purchase since the 1960s.

Already generating extensive pre-auction buzz are two paintings by French Impressionist Pierre-Eugene Montézin from the esteemed collection of former Dallas mayor Starke Taylor and his wife, Carolyn. Les Paons, a lush work depicting a male and a female peacock on the banks of pond, could sell for $30,000+, and a Le Casino, a lively landscape of Cannes, could bring $25,000+.

Several works from non-Texas collections include Polishing Silver by Thomas Frederick Mason Sheard, which may realize $25,000+, and two works by Maurice Utrillo, including Rue Lepic à Montmartre, an example of the artist's coveted Post-Impressionist technique, which is estimated to hammer for $60,000+, and Rue Saint-Vincent, which could sell for $50,000+.

Additional highlights include, but are not limited to:

• Paysage d'Hiver à Chaponvalby Gustave Loiseau. Estimate: $50,000+.

• The Proposal by Pio Ricci. Estimate: $25,000+.

• Portrait of a Young Girl with a Mandolin and Cats by Franz Rumpler. Estimate: $12,000+.