Artwork
Tired
Tired is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Mina Arndt. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1908, Tired is an oil painting by the New Zealand artist Mina Arndt. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, where it is displayed among the institution’s early‑20th‑century holdings.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas portrays a solitary woman seated at a table, her head bowed and supported by her arm. Dressed in a dark garment, she appears withdrawn, conveying fatigue or melancholy. A narrow shaft of daylight filters through a distant window, suggesting an interior caught between shadow and faint illumination.
Technique & Style
Arndt employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting deep shadows with the thin band of light to give the scene a three‑dimensional quality. The oil medium provides a velvety texture and rich tonal depth, enhancing the somber mood and emphasizing the figure’s introspective posture.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the painting has remained within New Zealand’s public collections, eventually entering Te Papa’s holdings. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to preserving works by early female artists active in the country’s developing art scene.
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Artist & collection
Museum
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
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