Burton Brothers

Untitled (Maori Boy with Tiara)

Untitled (Maori Boy with Tiara) by Burton Brothers

Artwork Detail

Cartes de visite earned their name because they were the same size as calling cards, and were sometimes used for that purpose. It was not uncommon for photographers to persuade Māori sitters to display taniko borders from the hem on a korowai around their shoulders for aesthetic reasons. However, the combination of traditional hair feathers, a tiara and a ‘roman toga’ over one shoulder makes this particular image highly unusual within the genre. Although no doubt supposed to be a romanticised depiction, when juxtaposed with the young man’s expression a sense of unease is created in the contemporary viewer. (Flaunt, 2003)

Title
Untitled (Maori Boy with Tiara)
Artist/creator
Burton Brothers
Production date
Unknown
Medium
albumen print
Dimensions
105 x 63 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, purchased 2003
Accession no
2003/28
Copyright
Copying restrictions apply
Department
New Zealand Art
Display status
Not on display

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