John Duncan Fergusson painting sells for record sum
A painting by renowned Scottish artist John Duncan Fergusson that was missing for almost a century has been sold at auction for a world record price for the painter.
The artwork, Poise, had not been seen since it was exhibited in London in 1918 until it was discovered by its present owners, a brother and sister, who were clearing the attic of their French home.
The work dates back to 1916 and was valued at around £120,000.
But following international interest, it sold for a record £638,500 at Christie's auction house in London tonight.
The painting was on sale alongside work by some of the biggest names in 20th century British art including LS Lowry and sculptor Henry Moore in the Modern British and Irish Art Evening Sale.
Christie's has not released details of the painting's buyer.
Fergusson, who died in January 1961 aged 86, was regarded as one of the major artists of the Scottish Colourists school of painting.
A second painting by the artist which was also discovered in the French attic, Anne Estelle Rice, washing, is expected to fetch up to £60,000 at Christie's on November 20.
The previous world record price at auction for a work by Fergusson was achieved in May 2010, when his work Grace McColl was sold for £565,250.
Read more on AOL Money
Lowry painting sells for £2.3m
Sotheby's accused of undervaluing £11 million painting
Painting of Malala sold for £49k
Constable oil painting at auction
