Descendants of renowned painter Gottfried Lindauer, and those of his subjects, came together at the Auckland Art Gallery today to farewell a collection of the 19th-century portraits as they embark on their European tour.
John Reihana Kaati explains, “I received a request asking permission for our ancestor's portrait to travel overseas. I approached my people and they agreed unanimously. It's a great opportunity to showcase our distinguished ancestor to the world.”
Māori elder Pat Hohepa will accompany the portraits on the tour and says Lindauer should be commended for preserving some remnants of how Māori were from that time.
The treasures depart within the next few weeks, travel around Europe for a year, and then return at the end of 2015.