Artwork
Morning calm, Camaret
Morning calm, Camaret is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Rhona Haszard. It dates from 1926 and is held in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
About this work
Overview
Painted in 1926, Morning Calm, Camaret is an oil on canvas work by New Zealand artist Rhona Haszard. It captures a quiet coastal village in Brittany, France, where the sea lies still and buildings cluster gently along the shore. The painting is part of the collection at Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, reflecting Haszard’s engagement with European landscapes during her time abroad.
Subject & Meaning
The scene portrays Camaret-sur-Mer, a modest fishing village, at a moment of stillness. Small boats rest on the water, and low-roofed houses with dark tiles sit close to the shoreline. No human figures are present, enhancing the sense of solitude. The absence of movement or activity suggests a pause in daily life, inviting contemplation rather than narrative.
Technique & Style
Haszard employed a restrained palette of muted greens, greys, and browns to evoke the quiet atmosphere of the coast. Brushwork is soft and blended, avoiding sharp edges, which contributes to the hazy, tranquil effect. Subtle shifts in tone create depth, guiding the eye from the foreground boats toward the distant hillside, where vegetation softens into the horizon.
History & Provenance
Created during Haszard’s time in Europe, the painting reflects her exposure to French coastal life in the mid-1920s. It entered the collection of Te Papa Tongarewa in the 20th century, likely through donation or acquisition tied to her New Zealand connections. Its preservation there underscores its significance as a record of a New Zealand artist’s international experience.
Context
Haszard painted this during a period when many New Zealand artists traveled to Europe, drawn by its artistic traditions and light.
Haszard painted this during a period when many New Zealand artists traveled to Europe, drawn by its artistic traditions and light. Unlike the bold modernism emerging elsewhere, her approach remained rooted in quiet observation. Morning Calm, Camaret aligns with regional Impressionist influences, emphasizing atmosphere over drama, and reflects a broader trend of artists seeking serenity in everyday landscapes.
Legacy
Though not widely exhibited, the painting remains a quiet testament to Haszard’s sensitivity to place and light. It contributes to the understanding of early 20th-century New Zealand artists working beyond national borders. Its presence in Te Papa’s collection ensures continued access for study, offering insight into a lesser-known but thoughtful strand of colonial-era art practice.
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Artist & collection
Museum
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
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