A version of a painting which caused outrage when it was originally exhibited in 1926 is to be auctioned in Edinburgh.

The Breakthrough, by John Bulloch Souter, is described as a "strikingly accomplished" depiction of a black saxophonist playing while a naked white woman dances to the music.

Souter claimed his painting was intended to show how jazz had permeated people's lives in the 1920s.

However, contemporary critics saw the scene alluding to "disruptive, chaotic and dangerous" influences which threatened Imperial Britain.

Within days of its exhibition, the British Colonial office contacted the Royal Academy to request the removal of the picture for "reasons of state, not art" and "in the interest of the empire".

Souter destroyed the original painting following the outcry, but kept his original drawings and studies.

Later in his career he painted a new version, which he dated 1926-62, acknowledging the time that had passed.

This version will go under the hammer at Lyon and Turnbull in Edinburgh this week.

The auctioneer expects it to fetch a return of £40,000 - £60,000.