New Zealand Graphic and Descriptive. Plate III. Roto-rua (1877)

"Roto-rua" is a captivating monochrome lithograph by the talented artist Charles Decimus Barraud, crafted in 1877. This artwork offers a picturesque view of the Rotorua landscape in New Zealand, famous for its stunning geothermal activity and serene, expansive lakes. The painting masterfully captures a tranquil panorama of the region, featuring glistening bodies of water surrounded by rugged terrains and distant mountains under a partially clouded sky, evocative of the vast and untouched beauty of New Zealand.Barraud's artistic perspective directs the viewer's attention across a layered composition, from the detailed foreground with dense, textured vegetation and a single figure, presumably a local or a traveler, exploring the rugged terrain on a horse, to the middle ground where the waters lie serene, leading up to the majestic mountains in the background. The dramatic play of light and shadow in "Roto-rua" not only highlights the natural contours of the landscape but also creates a sense of depth and vastness that is both immersive and awe-inspiring.This lithograph is part of the collection from Barraud's "New Zealand Graphic and Descriptive," which aimed to document and share the unique sceneries of New Zealand with a wider audience. It remains a significant artistic record of New Zealand's historical landscape, reflecting both the physical beauty and the serene ambiance of the area during the 19th century.