Wubi News

Painting of Māori elder fetches record price in NZ auction

2024-11-27 17:00:33
Thoughts of a Tohunga was painted in 1938 by famed painter Charles Frederick Goldie

An oil painting of a Māori elder has fetched a record price at an auction on Tuesday, making it the most valuable artwork of its kind in New Zealand history.

The painting by famed local artist Charles Frederick Goldie, shows a portrait of Wharekauri Tahuna, a priest who is believed to be one of the last tattooed men of his generation.

The NZ$3.75m ($2.2m; £1.7m) sale also marks the highest price ever paid for a painting at auction in New Zealand, according to the auction house.

It comes at a point of increased racial tensions in New Zealand, with the government having recently put forth a bill that Māori said would hurt their rights.