The River Bend, Rangitikei

Peter McIntyre was a New Zealand artist best known for his depictions of landscapes in New Zealand and Tahiti. Using simplified yet realistic forms, the artist conjures the light and atmosphere of the scene before him. Born on July 4, 1910 in Dunedin, New Zealand, he studied at the University of Otago before traveling overseas to attend the Slade School of Fine Art in London. During World War II, he served in the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

McIntyre’s early paintings often depicted militaristic scenes, including the turmoil and atrocity he experienced during his campaign in North Africa. Despite being openly critical of Modern Art, McIntyre’s work became increasingly abstract over the course of his career. The artist achieved high levels of popularity in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States during his lifetime. McIntyre died in Wellington, New Zealand on September 11, 1995.