Get a reproduction of Near Paekakariki, Cook Strait

This essay originally appeared in New Zealand Art at Te Papa (Te Papa Press, 2018). Nicholas Chevalier is a rather glamorous figure in nineteenth-century New Zealand painting, having travelled widely in Europe and studied at the Academy of Munich and the Royal Academy, London. From Melbourne, he made his second visit to New Zealand, travelling around the lower North Island in November 1868 as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s entourage on HMS Galatea. The two watercolours made on this journey, Near Paekakariki, Cook Strait and Kapiti, are directly associated with the larger watercolour Cook’s Strait, New Zealand and the oil painting Cook Strait, New Zealand.It was typical practice of nineteenth-century landscape artists to use the sketches and watercolours made on site as the basis for larger, studio-based watercolours or oil paintings. Both Cook’s Strait, New Zealand and Cook Strait, New Zealand were created in this way. The original watercolours are factual and topographical records of a first impression, from which the larger watercolour and the oil painting take their cues. The three Māori waka in Near Paekakariki, Cook Strait are reproduced in both later images. In the oil painting they have been transferred to a beach further up the coast to align them geographically with the view of Kapiti Island. Similarly, the pattern of waves in Kapiti has been repeated in the oil painting. In Near Paekakariki, Cook Strait, the figures engaged in a typical food-gathering activity add a picturesque element to the scene, which Chevalier has enhanced with a more detailed, colourful group of figures adjacent to the waka in the larger watercolour. The figure with the horse in Kapiti emphasises the breadth and depth of the seascape in the oil painting. In each of the watercolours the size of the figures in relation to their surroundings underlines the grandeur of nature and introduces an element of the sublime — the aesthetic quality inspiring awe and even fear. The larger formats and turbulent atmosphere depicted in both later works reinforce this aspect of the romantic landscape tradition.Though used as visual notes towards the oil painting, both Near Paekakariki, Cook Strait and Kapiti are finished works in their own right.Tony Mackle

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Artist Biography

early life and career

nicholas chevalier, a russian-born artist, left an indelible mark on the art world with his works in australia and new zealand. born on may 9, 1828, in st petersburg, russia, chevalier was the son of louis chevalier, who oversaw the estates of prince de wittgenstein in russia. his mother was russian. in 1845, nicholas left russia with his father, studying painting and architecture in lausanne, switzerland, and at munich.

artistic journey

chevalier's artistic journey took him to london in 1851, where he worked as an illustrator in lithography and watercolour. his designs included a fountain erected in the royal grounds at osborne, and two of his paintings were showcased at the academy in 1852. further study in rome preceded his move to australia in late 1854.

mount arapiles, a painting from this period, is one of his most recognized pieces.
he collaborated with lady barkly on a present for the princess of wales, featuring australian life icons.
in 1864, his oil painting the buffalo ranges was selected by the national gallery of victoria, making it the first picture painted in australia to be included in the melbourne collection.

legacy and later life

chevalier's later life saw him commissioned by queen victoria to paint a picture of the duke of edinburgh's marriage. he made london his base, exhibiting at the academy from 1871 to 1887. though he practically gave up painting by 1895, his legacy endures.

nicholas chevalier married caroline wilkie in 1855, a relative of sir david wilkie.
he spoke fluent french, english, russian, german, italian, and portuguese, and was an amateur musician.
works by chevalier are held in public collections including the museum of new zealand te papa tongarewa, the dunedin public art gallery, and the national gallery of victoria.

explore more

for a deeper dive into chevalier's work, visit [https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/nicholas-chevalier](https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/nicholas-chevalier) to explore his paintings and learn more about his artistic journey. wikipedia also offers an in-depth look at his life and career: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/nicholas_chevalier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/nicholas_chevalier). discover the musée baron gérard (france) and its masterpieces, a must-visit destination for art lovers, showcasing works from prehistory to the 20th century: /en/art/show/art-d3cest-en/

nicholas chevalier

1828 - 1902 , Russia

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Victorian Art
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Romanticism']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['David Wilkie']
Date Of Birth: May 9, 1828
Date Of Death: 1902
Full Name: Nicholas Chevalier
Nationality: Russian
Notable Artworks:
- Mount Arapiles
- The Buffalo Ranges
- Noon Cannon
- Sketch at Maxwell
Place Of Birth: Saint Petersburg, Russia

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