Te Amapo Parata

item details

NameTe Amapo Parata

ProductionMiss Marion Wright; artist; 1892; Auckland

Classificationwatercolours, works on paper

Materialswatercolour, paper

Materials Summarywatercolour on paper

DimensionsApproximate: 410mm (width), 540mm (height)

Registration Number2020-0025-2

Credit linePurchase 2020

Overview

Little is known about the artist of this sensitive watercolour portrait of Te Amapo Parata, Marion Wright. In 1888 she received a special prize for a portrait of a girl’s head (New Zealand Herald, 11 April 1888, p.4) at the Auckland Society of Arts Exhibition, when she was also referred to as the daughter of Dr Wright, of Parnell. She was apparently only 13 years old at this time. Her work was noted again in 1891, when her work 'Surprised' a clever life study, again received accolades. No record can be found of this painting having been exhibited. In 1897 Marion married Mr J Sylvester Brigham, and little can be found about her or whether she continued to practice after that time.

This is a highly accomplished portrait by a young female artist of a named subject. It appears to be a truthful representation of the young Māori woman, that is not idealised or romanticised, in spite of her being adorned with huia feathers, a pounamu ear-piece, and wearing a kaitaka.

Likewise, at this stage, little has yet been uncovered about the subject of the painting, Te Amapo Parata. We welcome any information about her identify and iwi affiliation.