Georgina Hetley botanical painting

Content Description

This appears to be an original, signed botanical painting by Georgina (Mrs Charles) Hetley of a sample of Erythrina Cristagalli. 365mm x 270mm

Provenance

Donated by Mary and Philip Riley of Melbourne. It had belonged to Mary's mother who had a copy of Hetley's "Native Flowers of New Zealand illustrated in colours", published in 1888. Three of these prints had been removed from the portfolio to be mounted and framed and hung on a wall, with this fourth painting of Erythrina Cristgalli. Erythrina Cristgalli is not listed in the index of "Native Flowers of New Zealand", nor is it native to New Zealand (it is native to Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil and Paraguay), The portfolio donated included all 36 prints listed in the index, with this painting it made a total of 37 images. All of these factors led to the conclusion that this painting had been included with the portfolio of unbound prints when the Riley's offered it as a donation to the JC Beaglehole Room. Initially unaware of the original amongst the prints, on its discovery, the Riley's generously decided to continue with the donation.

Restrictions Apply

No