Auction in full swing
Major works with impeccable provenance by Colin McCahon and Michael Smither were highlights of the collection that went under the hammer in our Important Paintings & Contemporary Art Auction held on 7 August. The results are strong with a sale rate of 80% and a sale total currently standing at $1.72 million, as several major works are still under negotiation. Below are highlights of the evening.
From the Collection of Pat and Gil Hanly.
Colin McCahon, ‘Visible Mysteries no.4’
Colin McCahon’s Visible Mysteries no.4, the first painting from this important series of work to come on the market, sold for $552,575. The painting was purchased by Pat and Gil Hanly from Barry Lett Galleries in 1968 and has remained with the family since.
Michael Smither’s Sheep of Mt St Bathans, a vibrant work painted in 1969, was one of the surprise highlights of the sale fetching a final price of $148,955 well above its pre-auction estimate of $75,000 – $90,000.
Other works by Colin McCahon in this sale also ignited strong bidding. Lot 1, Jets to Cape Reinga, sold for $33,635 against an estimate of $20,000 – $25,000. Waterfall, an oil on hardboard from 1964 achieved $45,647, and Annunciation, an important, early work on paper from 1949, fetched $80,483.
Other highlights include:
Lot 5 – Don Binney – Frigate Bird I – $22,223
Lot 7 – Toss Woollaston – Reclining Female Nude – $9,009
Lot 8 – Karl Maughan – Red Poppies – $21,622
Lot 9 – Michael Smither – Motunahanga – $11,411
Lot 10 – Jude Rae – Plates and Bowls – $24,025
Lot 13 – Ann Robinson – Ice Bowl – $32,433
Lot 17 – Alan Maddox – Untitled – $20,421
Lot 18 – Michael Parekowhai – Portrait of Ed Brown – $22,823. Auction record for this series.
Lot 20 – Michael Smither – Kevin Croon Playing Chess – $108,112
Lot 21 – Michael Smither – Walnuts in Blue Bowl – $62,465
Lot 22 – Michael Smither – Thomas with Coloured Block – $60,062
Lot 25 – Pat Hanly – Pacific Free – $96,100
Lot 30 – Michael Smither – Blue Bottle Jellyfish at Back Beach – $48,050
Lot 35 – Michael Hight – Tawhiti – $7,207
Lot 36 – Michael Smither – Sheep of Mt. St. Bathans – $148,955
Lot 38 – Richard Lewer – My Sister and Husband – $7,207
Lot 40 – Dick Frizzell – Double Feature – $21,622
Lot 42 – Ralph Hotere – Polaris – $48,050
Lot 50 – Ralph Hotere – Drawing for a Church Window, Mitimiti – $21,622
Lot 57 – Don Peebles – Field – $5,225
The above listed prices are inclusive of a 17.5% buyer’s premium and 15% GST on the buyer’s premium.
