McCahon fetches $571,875

Colin McCahon's 'painting'. Photo / Supplied

A Colin McCahon painting sold for $571,875 at auction last night. He Calls for Elias (pictured), painted in 1959, was bought by a private Auckland investor at the Art + Object auction house.

Front of house manager Leigh Melville said the bidding started at $300,000. "It was great for us to see such strong interest in New Zealand's most recognised painter of much international repute," she said.

Another McCahon painting, Kauri and White Pine, sold at the auction for $148,687 to a different collector.