Horation Gordon Robley Paintings of Maori Natives

HORATIO GORDON ROBLEY (England, New Zealand, 1840 - 1930)

 

A study of Chief Tomika Te Mutu from the Ngaiterangi Tribe, monochrome, watercolour and wash on a blank postcard, signed with the initials "G.R." at lower right, 14 x 8.5cm.

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Together with:

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A Maori woman from the Ngaiterangi Tribe, monochrome, watercolour and wash on a blank postcard, signed with the initials "G.R." at lower right, 14 x 8.5cm.

 

Robley made drawings of Māori people and Māori culture and collected Māori items including almost three dozen Mokomokai, or heads of deceased Māori men.

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Robley was born at Funchal, Madeira on 28 June 1840, the son of John Horatio Robley, a captain (retired) of the Madra Native Infantry, East India Company and Augusta Jane Penfold.

 

Robley followed in his father's footsteps to be a professional soldier. However, he also inherited his mother's artistic skills, becoming an accomplished sketcher and watercolourist.