PAYTON, Edward William (British, 1859 - 1944). Lake Rotorua, Hot Lake Country, New Zealand.

PAYTON, Edward William (British,1859 - 1944)
Lake Rotorua, Hot Lake Country, New Zealand
Watercolor on paper in original period frame
Signed lower right: “E. W. P.”
9 x 21" sheet, 16" x 28 2/8" framed

Provenance: with a manuscript label “, Hot Lake Country, New Zealand” possibly in Payton’s hand on the verso of the frame, underneath which is inscribed in pencil “Duchess of Buckinham”; also the original printed gallery label of Thomas Wilson.

A fine watercolour produced by Payton on his tour of New Zealand in 1883-1886. Lake Rotorua has long been considered a sight of natural beauty and revered for its therapeutic waters. It is but one of eleven natural lakes, which sparkle across the landscape and for over 160 years, has been famed as a spa destination. Maori legend explains that the region was created by the fire demons Te Pupu and Te Hoata who were summoned by the sisters of Ngatotoirangi, the first to discover New Zealand, in order to save their brother's life. The fire demons tunneled through the sea and land to find him and every time they lifted their heads to orientate themselves a volcano was created. Indeed, the lakes are essentially volcanic, formed by the eruption of Mount Tarawera, and are located on New Zealand's North island. In this enchanting watercolor, Edward William Payton captures the expansiveness of Lake Rotorua and the vibrant aqua color of its waters. A Maori village, probably the beginnings of the town of Rotorua, is depicted in the foreground and small dwellings are pictured dotted along the water's edge. The people of Te Arawa were the guardians of the thermal region of New Zealand and it is most probably them that inhabit the village.