Patara Te Tuhi an old warrior 1901 76.5x63.5cm Charles Frederick Goldie (1870-1947)

The portrait presents a man of advanced age, rendered in a style reminiscent of late nineteenth-century European academic portraiture. He is positioned centrally against a dark, indistinct background that emphasizes his presence and isolates him from any specific setting. The lighting is carefully managed; it illuminates the upper portion of his face and chest, drawing attention to the intricate facial markings and ceremonial adornments.
The man’s expression is complex – a mixture of stoicism and perhaps a trace of melancholy. His gaze is direct, engaging the viewer with an intensity that suggests both authority and weariness. The extensive facial tattoos, meticulously detailed, are clearly significant within his cultural context; they likely denote status, lineage, or achievements. A single feather adorns his left nostril, adding to the sense of ceremonial importance.
He wears a cloak composed of long, dark strands, possibly feathers or flax fibers, draped across his shoulders and chest. The texture is rendered with considerable skill, creating a visual contrast against the smoothness of his skin. In his hands, he holds two carved objects – one appears to be a small figure, while the other seems to be a pendant or amulet of green stone, intricately shaped into an abstract form. These items likely hold symbolic meaning related to his identity and heritage.
The artist’s choice of composition and rendering suggests a desire to preserve the dignity and cultural significance of this individual. The dark background serves not only as contrast but also hints at a sense of history and tradition. There is a palpable feeling that the subject embodies a lineage or a way of life facing change, perhaps even loss. The portrait transcends a simple likeness; it functions as a visual record of a person representing a cultural heritage, presented with respect and an awareness of its potential fragility.