Preston, James 1834-1898 :[Fishermen at dawn on the South Canterbury coast, on William Rolleston's property at the mouth of the Rangitata River. Between 1881 and 1898]

A seaside view at sunrise, showing a horse grazing in a paddock, a man seated on a hillock in the foreground, a tent and caravan and four men with fishing gear standing outside a weatherboard shed. Two further men are fishing on the right.

The artist met his death while he was fishing in Geraldine, suggesting a great love of the sport. William Rolleston took up land at the mouth of the Rangitata River where he lived for most of his public life, from the 1860s. James Preston was appointed Anglican Minister to the Geraldine district from 1872.

Compare Preston's watercolour "Rangitata Huts" in Canterbury Museum's collection - black and white photo held in photo file. This shows the same hut, caravan, tent and horse, sonewhat differently disposed.

Suggested date range of execution is derived from the artist's addressing the recipient as "Hon.ble", suggesting William Rolleston was by then a Minister of the Crown, and by the artist's own date of death in 1898.

Exhibited in 'Wide-Eyed: Early Images of New Zealand' exhibition of works by settler artists, held at the National Library of New Zealand Gallery, 18 July - 9 November 1997.

Other Titles - To Honourable W. Rolleston, Mrs Rolleston & Rolleston family. A very happy and prosperous new year to you all. J. Preston

Inscriptions: Verso - inscription from the artist to the recipient, wishing the family a happy new year.

Quantity: 1 watercolour(s).

Physical Description: Ink, watercolour & Chinese white on wove paper 142 x 193 mm

Provenance: Rolleston family, Canterbury

Transfers: Rolleston family papers, MS Papers-0446-147, transferred to Drawings & Prints, October 1994..