Click on the thumbnails below to find out more.
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| Self-portrait 1966 | Journey, Wellington 1962 | Woman Sketching AD1965 1965 |
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| Moon, July 6th 1965 | Moon, July 7th 1965 | Moon, July 8th 1965 |
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| Moon, July 9th 1965 | Moon, July 10th 1965 | Moon, July 10th 1965 |
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| Moon, July 11th 1965 | Moon, July 11th 1965 | Moon, July 12th 1965 |
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| Moon, July 14th 1965 | Moon, July 16th 1965 | Moon, July 17th 1965 |
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| Growth 1968 | Sunset, London 1958 | Moon (Leaf Series) 1965 |
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| Space circa 1965 | Autumn circa 1963 | Tulip fields, Holland circa 1959 |
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| Study for memorial mural, Napier Girls’ High School 1960 | Study for memorial mural, Napier Girls’ High School 1960 | Study for memorial mural, Napier Girls’ High School 1960 |
Self-portrait
Self-portrait 1966
oil on canvas on hardboard, 753 x 444 mm
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Purchased 1967 from Wellington City Council Picture Purchase Fund
This artwork is featured in Te Papa's Collections Online
Rita Angus once copied out a quotation that described the way she lived: ‘The true artist believes he has something of supreme importance to tell the world … he has to stay alone, & work alone, & believe fervently.’
This self-portrait presents that solitary figure. Angus stands in front of the Wellington hills, as a warrior or prophet, holding a paintbrush – the symbol of her vocation.
In the background, a dramatic sky suggests powerful astrological forces – a subject of keen interest to Angus. The two interlocking ‘fish’ clouds refer to her birth sign, Pisces.
> Back to Nocturnes and abstractions 1958-69