Anyone who's been to an opera at the Met knows that the sets -- enormous, inspired works of art in their own right -- are often as impressive (and, let's face it, sometimes more impressive) than the singing that goes on amid the pyramids, the galleons, the crowded Spanish streets, and the perfectly lit French artists' garrets.

Apropos, then, that the Met will host an auction of works by some of the world's biggest art names -- David Salle (Fresh Atom (2007), pictured), Cindy Sherman, William Wegman, Robert Wilson, William Kentridge, and others -- presented onstage at the company's Lincoln Center home, to raise funds for new Met productions. It's all happening this Sunday, May 6, with Jamie Niven, Vice-Chairman of Sotheby's, acting as guest auctioneer.

See images of the artwork and find out more about the "Art for Opera" event right here.