The image, Dovima with elephants, which Richard Avedon shot in August 1955, fetched €841,000, more than €600,000 first expected by Christie's. The result represents a new world record for the artist. The lot was the largest print of this photograph in existence. "It was made for the tour of Avedon's 1978 Metropolitan Museum of Art fashion retrospective," says Christie's. "Following its return from the exhibition tour, this print greeted visitors near the entrance to Avedon's New York studio for 25 years. Since 2005, it has been installed inside the entrance to the offices of The Richard Avedon Foundation."

A set of four prints called The Beatles Portfolio fetched €445,000 - becoming the second highest price reached by the artist at auction, says Christie's. In total,all 65 lots were sold at 100% or more of their values, setting a new world record for a photographs auction in France with a result of €5,467,250 or £4,674,499.

"The 65 Avedon photographs in this sale represented not only the largest ensemble of his works to ever hit the market, but also offered several unique and extremely rare items," says Christie's. "Proceeds will initiate The Richard Avedon Foundation’s endowment in support of its philanthropic mission."

The Beatles Portfolio, London, England, 8-11-67 © Richard Avedon / Richard Avedon Foundation.

For more information, visit Christie's Richard Avedon site.