Ana Rupene with Child - framed kauri gum bust - Maori - New Zealand

The Depicted: Ana Rupene (also known as Heeni Hirini or Ana Reupene Whetuki) belonged to the Iwi Ngāti Maru from the Hauraki region. She was the wife of Reupene Whetuki, a respected rangatira (chief).

The Child: For a long time it was believed that the child on her back was her daughter Huria. However, descendants clarified that it is probably her son, known for his knowledge of Whakapapa (genealogy), who died in late adolescence.

The Vorlage (Source/Model): Lindauer did not paint the portrait from life, but based it on a studio photograph of the Foy Brothers from Thames, which was taken between 1871 and 1878.

Features: The painting shows Ana with a traditional Moko Kauae (chin tattoo) called Whakatehe. She wears a fine woven cloak (korowai), in which the child is securely carried on her back according to Māori custom.