PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Auckland

Another version of this work painted on wood panel is illustrated p. 262 C F Goldie: His Life & Painting, Alister Taylor & Jan Glen, 1979

EXHIBITED A work with the same title and date was exhibited long term loan at Auckland Art Gallery 1929 - 1944

Te Aitu Te Irikau 1831 - 1914 was a high ranking Arawa Chieftainess from Maketu, Bay of Plenty. The historic fall of Te Tumu Pa in May, 1836 took place during her childhood. Te Aitu Te Irikau travelled to Auckland to sit for Charles F Goldie in 1911. He painted up to five further posthumous versions of her. The earlier versions dated 1911 and 1916 Goldie titled Memories whilst a 1918 work he titled A Woman of High Lineage. This work is the last known portrait of Te Aitu Te Irikau and Goldie aptly titled it A Happy Thought.

In Polynesian portraiture Mr C F Goldie stands pre-eminent in the world today, and New Zealand has every reason to be proud of him Governor General Lord Bledisloe