All e same te Pakeha 1905 71.5x59.5cm Charles Frederick Goldie (1870-1947)

The portrait presents a man depicted in a formal pose within an oval frame. He is positioned centrally against a dark, indistinct background that allows for a focus on his features and attire. The artist has rendered him with meticulous detail, particularly regarding the facial markings which dominate the composition.
He wears a dark bowler hat, casting shadows across his forehead and emphasizing the lines of age etched into his face. A green tweed jacket is buttoned over a light-colored shirt, suggesting a deliberate attempt at respectable presentation. Around his neck hangs a chain with a pendant, adding another layer to the visual narrative of status or cultural significance.
The most striking element is undoubtedly the extensive facial tattooing. The patterns are complex and symmetrical, covering the forehead, cheeks, chin, and around the mouth. These markings appear traditional in style, indicative of a specific cultural practice. They contrast sharply with the Western-style clothing, creating a visual tension between tradition and modernity.
The man’s expression is ambiguous; his smile seems somewhat forced or strained, hinting at an underlying complexity. The eyes hold a certain weariness, suggesting a life lived within a context of change and perhaps conflict.
Subtexts embedded in the work revolve around themes of cultural identity, assimilation, and power dynamics. The juxtaposition of traditional Māori facial markings with European clothing suggests a negotiation between two worlds – a visual representation of a person navigating a period of colonial encounter. The formal portraiture style itself implies an attempt at legitimization or integration within a dominant culture, while the tattoos serve as a powerful marker of cultural heritage. It is possible to interpret this as a statement about resilience and the preservation of identity in the face of external pressures. The overall effect is one of dignified complexity, inviting contemplation on the individual’s place within a larger historical narrative.