The most expensive piece of artwork sold in New Zealand went for a bargain, says the art gallery director who bought it for his clients.
Director of Gow Langsford Gallery, John Gow, said Colin McCahon painting The Canoe Tainui, which was sold at Auckland's Art & Object auction house on Wednesday night for $1.35 million was "not expensive in terms of McCahon's works".
"I'm surprised more people didn't turn up," he said.
Gow, who was speaking on behalf of the Auckland couple who now own the painting, said he expected it to go for $1.8-2 million.
His clients own "a nice collection" of modern contemporary artwork and were "very passionate" about the McCahon painting and "very happy with it".