PROVENANCE
Paul & Kerry Barber Collection Easter Art Auction Dunbar Sloane 16/04/1997

'Auckland Museum' is a work composed of fresh air and light. Typical of Page's style, any desire to capture a detailed view of the city is less a priority than the expression of atmosphere. In the case of this work, this means a classical cloudy sky in motion, the blue, crystal-clear water of Auckland Harbour, and the feeling of freshness that these elements inspire. The artist has enveloped Auckland in a convincing flow of natural movement and connection.

When considering the neoclassical structure which the painting is named after, the sense of serene civilisation generated by this scene is even more remarkable. Although the war memorial building functions as something of a focal point to anchor the eye, it by no means dominates the scene. Situated in the Domain, it captures the light and echoes elements of form and colour from the surrounding hills and landscape.