Portrait of Colin McCahon

Colin McCahon Paintings: The 4 Most Famous, Through a Gallery's Eye

Updated November 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 4 works by Colin McCahon in our catalogue

In short

To the gallery's eye, Colin McCahon's most famous painting is The Marys at the Tomb (1950), whose original hangs in the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland. On Building Bridges (1952) and The days and nights in the wilderness: a constant flow of light falls on the land (1971) complete the trio every eye recognises. Of the 4 works by Colin McCahon in our catalog, the gallery presents the 4 most famous below, each original with its year, its museum and what makes it unique.

1919 – 1987, Timaru Most works: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
The Marys at the Tomb (1950) by Colin McCahon1. The Marys at the Tomb 1950 On Building Bridges (1952) by Colin McCahon2. On Building Bridges 1952 The days and nights in the wilderness: a constant flow of light falls on the land (1971) by Colin McCahon3. The days and nights in the wilderness: a constant flow of light falls on the land 1971

The gallery's top 10 Colin McCahon paintings

1
The Marys at the Tomb (1950) by Colin McCahon

The Marys at the Tomb

1950 · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland

In the profound and often challenging realm of New Zealand Modernism, few works resonate with as much spiritual gravity as Colin John McCahon’s The Marys at the Tomb. Painted in 1950, this masterpiece serves as a breathtaking intersection between the terrestrial and the divine. The scene captures a pivotal moment of biblical revelation, situating the resurrection of Jesus Christ not within an ancient, distant land, but within the rugged, familiar…

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2
On Building Bridges (1952) by Colin McCahon

On Building Bridges

1952 · Painting · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland

In the profound landscape of New Zealand Modernism, few works resonate with the structural tension and spiritual depth found in Colin McCahon’s On Building Bridges. Created in 1952, this seminal triptych serves as a masterful intersection between the physical reality of the Canterbury plains and the abstract complexities of the human psyche. The artwork does not merely depict a scene; it orchestrates a dialogue between the earth and the sky,…

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4
Titirangi cupboard door by Colin McCahon

Titirangi cupboard door

· Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland

This work was made by Colin McCahon as a kitchen cupboard door for his house in French Bay, where he lived with his wife Anne and family from 1953 through to 1960. The work consists of a panel, set in a wooden frame, with a doorknob screwed into the right-hand side. Rather than being hung on hinges, the door has eyelets attached to the back, and slid along a brass…

The story behind this original

The museums that keep Colin McCahon's originals

The museum that holds the most of the paintings on this page.

Museum City Works by Colin McCahon Paintings from this list
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, AucklandAuckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki Auckland 4 The Marys at the Tomb, On Building Bridges, The days and nights in the wilderness: a constant flow of light falls on the land

Colin McCahon, the signature paintings of each year

22 years of Colin McCahon's art, 1950 to 1971: the gallery follows them year by year, through the most famous originals of each.

Works per year

Pick a year to see its originals.

Colin McCahon's paintings: the gallery answers

Which Colin McCahon painting is the most famous of all?Reveal the answer

The Marys at the Tomb (1950), Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland. On Building Bridges (1952) and The days and nights in the wilderness: a constant flow of light falls on the land (1971) come next.

How old was Colin McCahon on completing The Marys at the Tomb?Reveal the answer

31 years old: The Marys at the Tomb dates from 1950, and Colin McCahon was born in 1919.

How many works did Colin McCahon create?Reveal the answer

Our catalog holds 4 works by Colin McCahon, dated from 1950 to 1971.

Where do Colin McCahon's most famous originals hang?Reveal the answer

Mostly in Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki (Auckland). The museum table above lists them all.

Which are Colin McCahon's earliest and latest famous works?Reveal the answer

On this page, the earliest is The Marys at the Tomb (1950) and the latest The days and nights in the wilderness: a constant flow of light falls on the land (1971).

Which Colin McCahon originals does the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki hold?Reveal the answer

The Marys at the Tomb, On Building Bridges and The days and nights in the wilderness: a constant flow of light falls on the land: the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland holds 4 of the works on this page.

Colin McCahon: the artist

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.
All 4 works by Colin McCahon →