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The Phantom Canoe: A Legend of Lake Tarawera

Explore the landscapes & Māori culture of New Zealand through the evocative paintings of Charles Henry Kennett Watkins. Discover his iconic works from the late 19th century.

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Collectible Description

A phantom canoe was sighted on Lake Tarawera just days before the eruption of Mount Tarawera in June 1886. The Māori guides and tourists who witnessed it told of a waka ‘being vigorously paddled’ towards the mountain. Hailed by the guides, the crew gave no response and then vanished. The apparition was seen as a sign of imminent death and disaster.Kennett Watkins’s interpretation, two years after the event, dramatically enriches the narrative. While eyewitness accounts varied in their detail, they all claimed that the event occurred during the day. Watkins turns it into a spectral vision at night, the mountain ominously surrounded by cloud and silhouetted by the moon. A zigzag of lightning cuts through the sky, adding to the sense of danger. The sole witness sits in his canoe in the shadows.See more detail about this artwork

Artist Biography

early life and education

charles henry kennett watkins, a prominent figure in new zealand's art scene, was born on july 14, 1847, in ootacamund, india to major john watkins of the indian army. his life was marked by adaptability and artistic prowess. after attending wellington college and studying in switzerland and france, watkins pursued further studies that likely influenced his unique perspective on new zealand's landscapes and the maori culture.

artistic career and notable works

upon immigrating to new zealand at 27, watkins initially worked as a photographer before teaching in russell. in 1876, he became the first headmaster of the auckland free school of art, marking the beginning of his illustrious career. some of his notable works include:
charles henry kennett watkins

charles henry kennett watkins

1847 - 1933 , India

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Tonalism, Symbolism
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
    • Early Modernism
    • American Impressionism
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • William Merritt Chase
    • John Singer Sargent
  • Date Of Birth: March 19, 1847
  • Date Of Death: March 28, 1917
  • Full Name: Albert Pinkham Ryder
  • Nationality: American
  • Notable Artworks:
    • The Music-Harpers
    • The Dives of Pompeii
    • The Old Man
    • The Sea
  • Place Of Birth: New Bedford, Massachusetts