Nineteenth Century New Zealand Artists: A Guide & Handbook
ROBLEY, Major-General Horatio Gordon 1840–1930
ROBLEY, Major-General Horatio Gordon 1840–1930
Known for his detailed drawings of Maori heads showing the moko [tattoo] patterns. Arrived Auckland from Madrid on 4 January 1864 as ensign in 68th Durham Light Infantry. Was present at the battle of Gate Pa and made many sketches; painted war scenes, portraits of chiefs, and many detailed drawings of moko. Retired from the army 1887 and lived in London until his death. Many of page 208 his New Zealand drawings were made for English illustrated papers. He published Moko: or Maori Tattooing pub. 1896, Pounamu: Notes on New Zealand Greenstone pub. 1915. His drawings are reproduced in the 1922 edition of Maning's Old New Zealand. Work included in Centennial Ex Wtn 1940. Represented: AIML, National Museum, Turnbull and Hocken.