NEW YORK, NY - Two fine paintings from the world-famous Hazarian Collection will be auctioned on December 5 in a sale of important American paintings at the William Doyle Galleries here.

The 1940's paintings are by the well-known Italian-American artist, Alfred S. Mira (1900-1981), whose work has been increasingly sought after in recent years.

Haroutune Hazarian (1886-1981) lived in New York and had one of the world's most outstanding collections of Armenian illuminated manuscripts, paintings, ceramics and rare books, much of which he donated to Armenia, as well as a notable collection of European and American paintings.

Alfred Mira was among Hazarian's many celebrated artist friends. Mira painted exquisite nudes, still lifes, and cityscapes of Paris, but was most famous, in the 30's and 40's, for his atmospheric scenes of New York.

The two paintings in Doyle's auction are of Park Avenue at St. Bartholomew's Church (estimate: $5,000-7,000), and of Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich Village (estimate $4,000-6,000). They beautifully evoke the essence of New York in a bygone era.

The free exhibit of Doyle's American Paintings auction opens December 1 at Doyle Galleries, 175 East 87th St., NYC.

Additional information on the forthcoming auction can be obtained by contacting Alan Fausel at Doyle Galleries: (212) 427-4141, ext. 238.