A valuable artwork by renowned New Zealand artist Colin McCahon has been stolen from a house in Sydney.
The 1974 painting, Comet (F13) which depicts a night scene, measures approximately 1m by 75cm and is estimated to be worth $A200,000.
The artwork was taken on Sunday as its owner moved house, New South Wales Police said.
The painting depicts a night scene. Photo: Facebook / NSW Police Force
McCahon, who died in 1987, produced some of New Zealand's most recognisable modernist paintings over a career spanning more than four decades.
A set of stereo speakers was also stolen.
Police have appealed for anyone with information, saying it would be treated in "the strictest of confidence".
Another McCahon painting, The Canoe Tainui, broke New Zealand's record for the priciest artwork sold at auction when it went for $1.35 million in September last year.
Art consultant Stephen Nall said art theft was relatively uncommon in Australia because it was difficult to sell on the black market.
"The general rule is that you would only get about 10 percent of the value if you are selling a picture that is stolen," he told the BBC.
In 1997, McCahon's Urewera Mural was stolen by Tūhoe activists, but was returned more than a year later after negotiations by Tame Iti and arts patron Jenny Gibbs.
Colin McCahon's 'Urewera Mural' Photo: Supplied
- BBC