IWI / HAPU AFFILIATIONS
Watch an interview with descendant Toko
Renata.
Ana Reupene Whetuki (Ngāti Maru) is recorded as a well-known
identity in the Thames goldfield region of the 1870s, and lived at
Manaia, where many of her descendants still live today.
Gottfried Lindauer is said to have painted at least 30 versions
of this portrait, the earliest in 1878 and the latest in 1920. The
direct basis for these portraits is a carte-de-visite studio
portrait photograph by the Foy Brothers of Thames. Three other
known Lindauer portraits of Māori from this region dated to 1878
(of Hori Ngakapa Whanaunga, Tamati
Waka te Puhi and Pare Watene) are also based directly on Foy
Brothers' photographs, suggesting that the photographic sources for
these four paintings were procured at the same time.
Most other versions of this portrait are titled Ana Rupene
and Child. Until 2007, the Christchurch Art Gallery version
had been titled Henne Rupene and her daughter Huria, but
following information received from Ana's direct descendants, the
painting has been retitled to accurately record her name. The
oft-repeated story of the child being female, or of dying as a baby
is also refuted.
Ken Hall, Assistant Curator, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o
Waiwhetu
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