MR J. E. MOULTRAY'S EXHIBITION OF PICTURES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2805, 18 December 1907, Page 90

MR J. E. MOULTRAY'S EXHIBITION OF PICTURES.

Mr J. Elder Moultray's exhibition of pictures this year includes 27 from his own brush and 32 by his pupite. The latter. however, by no means represents the work done by pupils in his studio, only some 30 pupils out of 60 exhibiting-. One of the most striking pictures en the walfe of the studio ie the "Battle of Nxtkumara, Maori War, ie 65." Mr Moultray has spared no pains to get as nearly as possible an accurate reproduction of the memorable surprise sprung- by the Maori on the British troop*. He spent s considerable time in the neighbourhood of Nukumaru, and while there elicited all the information he possibly could before starting the canvas, which may therefore be taken as a tairly accurate reproduction of an historical event. Apart from this aspect of its value, it was an exceedingly clever piece of work, and musfc have taken Mr Moultray many hours of labour. The picture is well drawn, and some excellent, effects in colouring have been obtained. It is a stirring picture. On the right is the advancing surprise party of Maoris, with distorted Jealures indicative of defiance and contempt ; in the centre the camp fire lighted for die purpose of cooking, the cook, who narrowly escaped capture, standing tomahawk in band just as he has been interrupted in his wood-chopoing, and on the left the camp of the British, with the men rushing hastily forward from their quarters to meet Ibe enemy. Probably the finest point in a good work i« the variety of expression on the tees of 'attackers and attacked. Another fine canvas by Mr Moultray is "Twixt Day and Night." This is also a somewhat ifcrre picture representing the close of the day at Elfin Bay, Wakatipu, and in it the artist has handled his subject cleverly. He ha« caught with fidelity and skill the sombre effects of approaching nightfall produced by the rujrg«<] precipitous mountains ilua.t , bcrrder the lake, and the picture rants among his best efforts. There are many other good works in the collection which need not be particularised* The pupils work is most creditable, and contains two original matures by Mies V. B. Johnson, of Part Chalmers, both of which deserve commendation. There are some well-executed studies of heads, some nicely-painted flower panel?, and a number of landscape paintings, all well worth inspection.