TAC_41_Queen Kaahumanu Sunning Herself

Web description (withdrawn March 2021):

Tennent began experimenting with monochromatic compositions in which she elicits the same sense of figural mass using variations in hues and empty space. Queen Kaʻahumanu Sunning Herself and The First Hawaiian Bible explores a distinct — and controversial — installment in Hawai‘i’s history: the impact of Protestant missionaries’ arrival in Hawai’i in ca. 1820
This painting attracted much controversy in various political sectors. It is one of Tennent’s boldest works, in terms of its blatant commentary about the clash between Native Hawaiians and missionary influence. Kaʻahumanu serenely dominates the canvas, apparently indifferent to the tiny, fully-clothed male missionary standing far in the distance.