QUEEKVALLEI

It is bitterly cold outside so have decided to blip a recently completed commissioned painting of Queekvallei, the name of the farm that eventually became Prince Albert. It was an important stop over for weary travellers on their way North.
In 1778 Commander Robert Gordon from the Netherlands and in charge of the garrison at the Cape, visited the de Beer farm known as QueekVallei. He recorded his impressions with words and a watercolour sketch. Translated from the Dutch:
"View of the farm named Queekvallei, situated above the Swart River, 2 hours. Note the simple buildings of the homes, the Hottentot huts and the Bushman shelters"
The local Museum and many homes display Gordon's painting. The commission was to paint a modern version of Gordon's painting showing Prince Albert as it is today. I decided to do a layered painting. Underneath is my version of Robert Gordon's painting and superimposed is the village as it is today.
I was amazed that many of the fields are stil intact. The huts and animals are all from the original painting. 600cm by1100cm. Acrylic