Mark Stocker, Curator Art at Te Papa, has an interest in this iconic sovereign and woman that dates back several decades. We think we know all about her, right? Not really – probably far less than we think. The current TV series and the film The Young Victoria don’t necessarily help. Mark says ‘She can exasperate me one moment, but the next moment I think she’s terrific!’. He takes an affectionate but not uncritical look at this symbol of the 19th century British world – which includes issues of gender and power that are highly relevant today, as well as her role as Kuini Wikitoria of Aotearoa. Monarchists, royal watchers and even republicans all welcome!
Mark Stocker, curator Historical International Art is an art historian whose research is in late 18th to early-mid 20th century art, particularly British and New Zealand art and especially sculpture, public monuments and numismatics (coins and medals). He has a broader interest in Victorian and Edwardian art and Art Deco. His current research includes Queen Victoria statuary in New Zealand, the sculpture of Kathleen Scott (widow of Scott of the Antarctic) and New Zealand’s coinage.
Mark will be leaving the Te Papa whanau shortly after this talk, please help us say a fond farewell to him and thank him for all the amazing insights he’s given us over the years!
Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
Curator Talks are designed to share deep knowledge and expertise from 1 or 2 curators presenting on a specialised subject fitting with the museums programme.
Feature Image: Franz Xaver Winterhalter, The First of May, 1851, Source; Wikimedia Commons