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Colin McCahon Most Popular Paintings

The 4 artworks by Colin McCahon our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 4 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Colin McCahon · 1919 – 1987

The Marys at the Tomb

1950 · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland · original 5 x 80 cm

A dramatic religious scene featuring the resurrection within a New Zealand landscape, this 1950 masterpiece by Colin McCahon captures profound spirituality and invites you to explore his unparalleled modernist vision.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 4 artworks by Colin McCahon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The days and nights in the wilderness: a constant flow of light falls on the land

1971 · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland · original 184 x 237 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 4 artworks by Colin McCahon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1411184 × 237 cm Commission at original size

On Building Bridges

1952 · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland · original 28 x 10 cm

A striking Cubist disintegration of landscape form defines this 1952 triptych by New Zealand modernist Colin McCahon, blending spiritual geometry with nature in a masterpiece ready to grace your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 4 artworks by Colin McCahon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17748 × 21 cm Commission this artwork

Titirangi cupboard door

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland · original 54 x 68 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 4 artworks by Colin McCahon
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25654 × 68 cm Commission at original size

The artist

Colin McCahon

1919 – 1987

Quick facts

Born1919, Timaru, New Zealand
Top 3 worksThe Marys at the Tomb, The days and nights in the wilderness: a constant flow of light falls on the land, On Building Bridges
NationalityNew Zealand
Museums on APSAuckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Copyright statusUnder copyright
Art periodModern

Biography

Colin John McCahon: A Pioneer of New Zealand Modernism

Early Life and Education

Born on August 1, 1919, in Timaru, New Zealand, Colin John McCahon spent much of his childhood in Dunedin.
His early artistic inclinations were nurtured by visits to exhibitions and the work of his maternal grandfather, photographer and painter William Ferrier.
He attended Otago Boys' High School and later enrolled at the Dunedin School of Art (1937-1939), where Robert Nettleton Field proved a significant influence.
McCahon furthered his studies at King Edward Technical College Art School as a part-time student.

Artistic Development and Influences

Early influences included Toss Woollaston, whose landscapes inspired McCahon, and Russell Clark, who provided foundational art training.
His work evolved through various styles – landscape, figuration, abstraction, and the distinctive overlay of painted text.
A pivotal moment was a visit to Melbourne in 1951, where he studied modernist paintings at the National Gallery of Victoria.
The book *The Geomorphology of New Zealand*, gifted upon his marriage, profoundly impacted his understanding of the land and its representation.

Key Themes and Artistic Style

McCahon’s work often explored themes of spirituality, landscape, and national identity.
He developed a unique visual language characterized by simplified forms, bold colors, and the integration of text.
His landscapes weren't merely depictions but rather symbolic representations of New Zealand’s spiritual and cultural essence.
The use of painted text added layers of meaning, often referencing biblical passages or personal reflections.

Major Achievements and Recognition

McCahon exhibited with *The Group* in Christchurch from 1940 onwards, becoming a member in 1947.
He held numerous solo exhibitions throughout New Zealand and internationally.
Significant works include “The Angel of the Annunciation,” “Takaka: Night and Day,” and his series based on texts from Ecclesiastes.
He taught painting at the Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland (1964-1969), influencing a generation of artists.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Colin McCahon is widely regarded as New Zealand’s most important modern artist.
He played a crucial role in introducing Modernism to New Zealand art, alongside Woollaston and Rita Angus.
His innovative approach challenged conventional artistic norms and paved the way for future generations of artists.
McCahon's work continues to resonate with audiences today, offering profound insights into the New Zealand landscape and psyche.
He died on May 27, 1987, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy.

Questions & Answers

How many artworks by Colin McCahon are available to browse?

You can browse 4 artworks by Colin McCahon on the All Artworks page.

How can I follow Colin McCahon's work year by year?

A timeline of Colin McCahon's works exists: the artist's Artwork Timeline page orders the artworks by creation date.

Is there an overview of all the subjects Colin McCahon painted?

The Subject Atlas page maps Colin McCahon's artworks by subject.

Collector's quiz

Colin McCahon is considered a pivotal figure in introducing what artistic movement to New Zealand?
Which artist significantly inspired McCahon's early interest in painting, particularly through their landscape work?
McCahon's artistic style is known for its versatility. Which of the following is a defining characteristic of his work?
Russell Clark played an important role in McCahon's early artistic development. How did Clark influence the young artist?
What initially prevented McCahon from serving in active military duty during World War II?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Colin McCahon

Every artwork by Colin McCahon in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by Colin McCahon