Chimpanzee's paintings outsell Warhol at London auction

At first glance, the broad brush strokes and use of simple, mainly primary colours could be the work of any of the prominent abstract painters.

But the painting, which sold at a London auction house last night, was not the product of human hand - the artist generating such excitement was Congo, the chimpanzee called the Cezanne of the simians.

Three of Congo's paintings went under the hammer at Bonhams, alongside works by Renoir and Andy Warhol - which did not sell.

The three, which were painted in 1957, had been estimated to fetch between £600 and £800.

But bidders' interest raised the prices to unexpected levels - which were sold as one lot for £14,400 (NZ$37,190), including a buyer's premium.

A spokesman at Bonhams said there had been a "fantastic" amount of interest in the chimpanzee's artworks.

All three were bought by an American buyer, Howard Hong, who described himself as an "enthusiast of modern and contemporary painting".

Congo produced about 400 drawings and paintings in the late 1950s after being encouraged by animal behaviourist Desmond Morris. He was a regular guest on Dr Morris's television programme Zoo Time.

The experiment convinced Dr Morris - who achieved fame for his television series and book The Naked Ape - that chimps could understand some elements behind human art.

Congo's work caused a stir among artists, with reactions ranging from scorn to scepticism.

He also attracted the attention of Picasso, who is thought to have framed one of Congo's works on his studio wall after receiving it as a gift.

Howard Rutkowski, director of modern and contemporary art at Bonhams, said he believed the auction could be the first of its kind.

"I don't think anybody else has been crazy enough to do this. I'm sure other auction houses think this is completely mad."

- INDEPENDENT