Darwin's Orchid

Darwin's Orchid by the Dutch-South African artist Frans David Oerder (1867-1944) is an unusual subject for the artist. Oerder was born in Rotterdam in the Netherlands and came to South Africa in 1890. He was mostly known for painting landscapes, still lifes and portraits. During the South African War (1899-1902) he was paid by the Transvaal Government to paint war scenes where he painted the everyday life of the British in the Capital. Darwin's Orchid was possibly created in 1903 whilst on a painting holiday when he travelled to the east coast of Africa and visited Madagascar. The University of Pretoria purchased this work in 1978. Short Biography: Frans Oerder was born in Rotterdam in the Netherlands came to South Africa in 1890. He was mostly known for painting landscapes, still-life and portraits. After the South African War Oerder returned to The Netherlands in 1908 where he settled and married fellow painter Gerda Pitlo in 1910. In 1938 with a second war looming in Europe, Oerder returned to South Africa where he passed away in 1944.