This work investigates the conceptual and aesthetic frameworks that defined the representation of the New Zealand landscape during its early colonial period. Francis Pound, a noted art historian, examines how these early painters constructed a visual identity for a new land, moving beyond mere documentation to explore the intersection of European artistic traditions and the specific realities of the New Zealand terrain. By analyzing the stylistic choices and motivations of seventeen key artists, the book argues that these paintings serve as critical cultural artifacts that reveal the shifting perceptions of the environment.

This text is regarded as a foundational resource for scholars and enthusiasts of New Zealand art history due to its rigorous focus on the intersection of colonial identity and visual representation. The depth of the artist profiles and the inclusion of high-quality reproductions make it a standard reference for understanding the development of the country's early landscape tradition.