From correspondents in London, England, 01:31 PM IST

An oil painting depicting pop star Madonna nude with her ex-husband Guy Ritchie will be put up for an auction this week.

Titled 'Madonna and Guy', the painting by Scottish artist Peter Howson created a flutter when it was released in 2005 and is now expected to fetch up to 22,000 pounds, reported telegraph.co.uk.

It is being sold by a private collector. Brian Clements from the auctioneers said: 'There is no doubt that the recent split of Madonna and Guy has generated increased interest in the painting.

'The painting created a huge amount of controversy when it was unveiled a few years ago and I think it's safe to say it is one of a kind,' he said.

The pop star and the British director separated last year after a seven-year marriage.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)