A PAINTING by South African artist Irma Stern sold at auction for R1,1-million to a private collector on Monday night. The auctioneers, Stephan Welz & Co, said it was the first time an art work had sold for more than R1-million in South Africa. Company chief Stephan Welz added that the R13,1-million raised at the auction was also a new record. He attributed the success of the auction to renewed optimism in South Africa, and increasing recognition of the high quality of the country’s art.