London  - A painting by French impressionist Claude Monet fell short of expectations at an art auction in London late Wednesday as many bidders stayed away.

Dans la Prairie sold for 11.2 million pounds (16.2 million dollars) at the auction by Christie's, attracting a single bidder. It had been expected to fetch 15 million pounds and had last sold for 15.4 million dollars at Sotheby's in New York.

A second Monet, La Promenade d'Argenteuil, which was expected to bring in 5 million pounds, did not attract any bidders. (dpa)