[Tempsky, Gustavus Ferdinand von] 1828-1868 :The Wellington Punch [1867]

Drawing for the title page of Punch or the Wellington Charivari, Volume 1, 1868. The central scene is a stage, with Mr Punch as an artist, clad in suit and top hat, a mere over his arm, in front of an easel on which stands a portrait of a Maori woman. A palette is on the ground. He is watched disapprovingly by a soldier (Von Tempsky's self-portrait?), a businessman, a lawyer, a clergyman and a Maori man clad in native dress. Wellington Harbour and the early Parliament buildings can be seen beyond the group.

A photocopy of the sketch and associated letter have been left with the published volume of the magazine, in the serials collection, New Zealand and Pacific Collection. Another drawing, either by Von Tempsky or by Frank Varley, was used for the publication, lacking the background of Wellington, but using many of the same figures

Quantity: 1 drawing(s).

Physical Description: Pen and ink 280 x 225 mm

Provenance: Drawing presented by the artist to Robert Pharazyn, who tipped it into his published copy of Punch and later donated it to Alexander Turnbull.