PROVENANCE Private Collection, Auckland Private Collection, Canterbury Gifted by bequest, c. 2003 Collection of Lawrence Baigent and Robert Erwin, Wellington

In the late summer of 1953 whilst traveling around Central Otago Rita Angus was introduced to young university student Robert Erwin by her friend Lawrence Baigent. Bagient and Angus were friends from their time in Christchurch during the late 1930s. Robert began calling in regularly at Angus' cottage in Clifton and a long friendship ensued with Angus painting Robert's portrait. This work embodies the artist's confident use of clear colour and line to capture the essence of her sitter.