Original Nicholas Chevalier Watercolor Circa. 1865

The following auction is for an original watercolor by highly esteemed New Zealand artist Nicholas Chevalier title, 'Lake Wakatipu, Mt. Earnslaw'.The painting is signed to lower left-hand corner, 'N. Chevalier' but does not carry a date. Based on my knowledge of Chevalier, however, the painting most likely dates between 1865 - 1866 which was when he was based in the South Island.

Note that the hut and pier to the lower left hand side of the painting is known as 'Benell's Store'.

Previously held in a Private Collection in Wellington before which the painting was in the collection of the Manchester Fire Assurance Company in Sydney (established 1824). We can trace the ownership as far back as 1892 during which Rodney Cherry was manager of the Manchester Fire Assurance Company.

Nicholas Chevalier is one of New Zealand's top historical artists that is on par with colleagues such as Charles Blomfield and John Gully. He is best known for his depictions of New Zealand and Australian landscapes. He visited New Zealand on 3 occasions before leaving permanently on 8th May, 1869.

The following is a genuine opportunity to own a serious piece of New Zealand art history at a fraction of its actual value. New Zealand examples of Chevalier's work are not particularly easy to come across due to both their age and the short time that he was in New Zealand.

Frame size: 75 x 58 cm Painting size: 49 x 30 cm

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