Christie's will auction important photographs on Thursday from the collection of Elton John, highlighting a more refined side of the pop legend after his recent expletive-laced rant against Madonna.

Sir Elton's stash of 4 000 fine art photographs is considered one of the world's leading private collections, and the Christie's sale in New York will offer 100 lots, including works by Ansel Adams, Man Ray and Robert Mapplethorpe.

One of Adams's trademark landscapes, 'Tetons and Snake River', has been estimated to fetch between $35 000 and $45 000.

The auction house said Sir Elton had decided to diversify his collection and sell a number of carefully-selected photographs in areas where he has an abundance of work in the same genre.

Other highlights from the auction included 'Calla Lily' by Mapplethorpe ($30 000-$50 000) and a vintage print by the sculptor Constantine Brancusi which was given a high estimate of $15 000.

Sir Elton was in the news earlier this month for bad-mouthing Madonna and accusing her of cheating her fans by lip-synching on stage.

AFP