Mystery from the veldt: an expensive motor for luxurious picnickers

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"Picnic by the motor" is what the caption says, but that’s translated from Afrikaans, which is to be expected since the photograph comes from South Africa. Unfortunately, all other context is missing, so the precise location, the period and the reason for the outing must be left to guesswork. They do seem to be enjoying themselves, those men, in the shade of their motor.

The suitcases laid out on the table at the right may well have come from the car, which were possibly mounted at the rear, but what about the tables themselves, not to mention the seat and the sofa? We think there must be some kind of shelter or tent behind the photographer. These men may even have spent the night there, or be planning to do so, as their clothing looks far too warm for a midday exercise. This shot was probably taken in the early morning or evening.

Of course, it’s the vehicle, with its raised canvas roof serving as a parasol, which is perhaps the most intriguing thing of all. What is it? Somehow an Austro-Daimler is the first thing we thought of. But the soft curvature of the bonnet, echoed in the scuttle, is not something we recognise and doesn’t quite seem to fit with our initial idea. Do enlighten us if you can!

Words: Jeroen Booij
Picture: Zuid-Afrikahuis archive

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