Goldie portrait snapped up

AUCKLAND: A newlydiscovered painting by New Zealand artist Charles F Goldie has gone under the hammer for $384,000.

The portrait of Ahinata Te Rangituatini, also known as Kapi Kapi, was painted in 1918 but remained unknown to the art world until recently when its owner decided to sell.

Kapi Kapi was a member of the Tuhourangi tribe and survived the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera, near Rotorua.

International Arts Centre auctioneer and director Richard Thomson started the auction with an opening absentee bid of $180,000.

Bidders wasted no time and the price pushed past $300,000 in a matter of minutes.

Two biddersinched it up to the final bid of $384,000.

The new owners paid more than $450,000 in total, including auction commission.

The couple, who are Goldie collectors, did not want to be identified but told RNZ they were very pleased with their purchase.

They said the painting would join two other Goldie portraits in their Auckland home.

Mr Thomson said it was not a surprise that collectors were chasing the painting.

‘‘Goldie is gold, there’s no question, and one like that that hasn’t seen the market for 100 years; of course there’s going to be collectors chasing it.

‘‘I’m sure the vendors will be very pleased but I’ve just spoken to the buyer and he’s absolutely delighted and his wife couldn’t be happier.’’

He said the price is a probable record for a ‘‘small Goldie’’.

He understood the buyers had a connection with Kapi Kapi.

Goldie, who died in 1947 aged 76, is thought to have painted Kapi Kapi many times.