The Sotheby's auction took place at the MGM Resorts-owned Bellagio hotel and casino, home to the Michelin-starred Picasso eaterie. And all bets were off as Saturday's sale exceeded estimates.

       The highest price fetched was ￡29million for the 1938 portrait Femme Au Beret Rouge-Orange.

       There was a "prolonged bidding battle" for the painting depicting Picasso's muse and lover Marie-Therese Walter.

       The 6.5ft tall Homme Et Enfant sold for ￡17million.The 1959 piece is regarded as an important example of Picasso's late career work.

       The full line-up of nine paintings and two ceramic pieces by the Spanish artist ？ who died in 1973 ？ spanned some six decades.

       They included Nature Morte Au Panier De Fruits Et Aux Fleurs from 1942 and Le Dejeuner Sur L'herbe from 1962.

       Brooke Lampley, of Sotheby's, said: "When we announced this unique collaboration with MGM Resorts a few months ago, there was an immediate buzz about this special auction."