Mystery buyer snaps up 'Nell' nude

A NUDE portrait of the writer and campaigner Nell McCafferty has been sold to a mystery buyer for €10,000.

The painting, which is part of the Royal Hibernian Academy's 178th exhibition, was bought earlier this week by a man as a gift for his wife.

Ms McCafferty said the sale of the painting was the "ultimate compliment" but she is frustrated by the fact the identity of the buyer has been kept a secret. "It shows you the hierarchy in the snobby art world that nobody tells us anything. Who am I? I'm only the bloody model. Nobody tells me anything. I'll probably be the last person to be told," she said.

Nevertheless, she said the price paid for the painting was a reflection on the work of its painter, the American-born artist Daniel Mark Duffy. "I'm completely pleased for Danny because nobody is going to pay €10,000 for my wee old body.

"It recognises the art and his skill. It is also a recognition of the gallantry of those of us who grow old."

Duffy, an American-based artist who is hoping to paint a series of nudes of Irish women, said he was pleased that the painting sold, but he, too, will remain in the dark as to the identity of the buyer until next week. He will ask the new owner to lend the painting to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC, where it has been shortlisted for exhibition.

"I thought it was an iconic image of an older woman. I didn't know if a nude portrait would be accepted at the gallery, but I was really pleased that they are considering it."

He said he was pleased the painting sold so quickly. "I always thought as a painter that it is a reflection on the painting itself, but there was a great deal of interest in the subject too. I guess it was a combination of both."