Portrait of a Friend

Celebrated New Zealand artist Rita Angus is known for her distinctive style of realism that utilised clearly defined shapes, blocks of strong colour and distinctive light. Her painting Cass, depicting a small railway station northwest of Christchurch, was voted New Zealand’s favourite artwork in 2008. Though many people think of her landscapes first and foremost, she is also known for her sensitive and evocative portraits.

Puke Ariki holds one such painting in its Heritage Collection.  Angus’ untitled portrait depicts Helen Warren, the great granddaughter of Dr Peter Wilson, New Plymouth’s colonial surgeon during the 1850s. During the 1970s, Helen Warren gifted a collection of items relating to Dr Wilson to the museum, including this painting. Angus, who was friends with Warren, painted the portrait in 1955. How the two women came to know each other is unclear. Angus’ portrait displays her exceptional skill with line. Using a very limited palette of colours and simple lines, Angus brings her friend to life in a painting that is at once lively, vibrant and dignified.