Potter painting sets record

An original watercolor illustration by Beatrix Potter for the final scene from “The Rabbit Christmas Party” sold in London on Thursday for $578,700 -- the most expensive book illustration sold at auction, Sotheby’s said.

The painting of rabbits leaving the party by candlelight was purchased by a private British collector, the auction house said.

It was one of 20 original illustrations, books, unpublished Christmas cards and letters by children’s author and illustrator Potter from the collection of her brother Bertram Potter on offer at the sale.