Solving a Mystery

Until recently, this photograph was thought to depict one of missionary Reverend Johann Friedrich Riemenschneider’s daughters. However, the distinctive tablecloth pictured in the portrait suggests otherwise. Puke Ariki holds an ambrotype portrait of Reverend Riemenschneider in its Heritage Collection, which appears to feature the same table covering and chair. Further research uncovered an account of Riemenschneider and his wife Catherine having their photographs taken together in New Plymouth during the summer of 1859. Given the similarities in the studio props, it seems likely the photograph is a copy of Catherine Garland Riemenschneider’s original 1859 ambrotype portrait.