A painting of Wharekauri Tahuna, a Māori elder, by New Zealand artist Charles Frederick Goldie has sold for a record-breaking $3.75 million.
The portrait, titled Thoughts of a Tohunga, was auctioned on Tuesday night, becoming the most valuable Māori portrait and the first New Zealand painting to surpass $3 million. Goldie painted the work in 1938, just nine years before his death.
The portrait features Wharekauri Tahuna, a Ngāti Manawa priest and one of the last tattooed men of his generation. It was first displayed in Paris in 1939, showcasing Tahuna’s intricate facial moko and a large greenstone tiki. Experts consider the painting one of Goldie’s masterpieces, highlighting his unmatched skill in portraying Māori elders.
Bidding for the painting began at $2 million and involved 16 offers made in-person, online, and via phone. Richard Thomson, director of the International Art Centre, described the piece as a landmark in New Zealand art history, calling it Goldie’s finest work.
Goldie’s paintings are known for their detailed and respectful depictions of Māori elders, and his pieces regularly fetch record prices. The sale of Thoughts of a Tohunga further cements his status as one of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists.
