Goldie was born in 1870 in Auckland, New Zealand to David Goldie (who would go on to be a mayor of Auckland) and Maria Partington. He was named after his maternal grandfather, Charles Frederick Partington, who built the landmark Auckland windmill.
Goldie attended Auckland Grammar School. While still at school he won several prizes from the Auckland Society of Arts and the New Zealand Art Students' Association.
He left school to start working for his father, while studying art part time under Louis John Steele.
Sir George Grey was impressed by two of Goldie's still-life paintings that were being exhibited at the Auckland Academy of Art (Steele's art society, of which Goldie was honorary secretary) in 1891, and he talked David Goldie into permitting his son to undertake further art training abroad.
Goldie was famous for his fine portraits of Maori subjects. These were often of older people, and reflected the prevailing view in the 1900s that the Maori race was entering into a terminal decline. This has led some to argue that Goldie's work is tainted by racism but he remains one of New Zealand's most recognised and collectable artists.
Charles Frederick Goldie was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on 20 October 1870.
Goldie's greatest publicity coup was in 1903 when Lady Ranfurly, departing wife of the governor, chose two large Goldie paintings as her farewell present from Auckland.
Goldie's popular fame was reinforced by frequent reproduction of his paintings in the illustrated press, and as chromolithographic prints, which have since become collectors' items in their own right.
Goldie was born in 1870 in Auckland, New Zealand to David Goldie (who would go on to be a mayor of Auckland) and Maria Partington.
Sir George Grey was impressed by two of Goldie's still-life paintings that were being exhibited at the Auckland Academy of Art (Steele's art society, of which Goldie was honorary secretary) in 1891, and he talked David Goldie into permitting his son to undertake further art training abroad.
Goldie was famous for his fine portraits of Maori subjects.