Scene in a New Zealand forest near Porirua

George French Angas (1822-1886) was an English artist and naturalist, best known for his illustrations of Australian flora and fauna. Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, he showed an early interest in natural history and art. In 1844 he travelled to Australia with his father, who was a businessman, and spent several years exploring the country and studying its plants and animals. Angas became famous for his detailed and accurate illustrations of Australian wildlife, which were published in various scientific journals and books. He also painted landscapes and portraits, and his work was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Angas was an advocate for the rights of Aboriginal Australians and campaigned for their protection and recognition. He wrote several books on the subject, including The Aborigines of South Australia (1847) and Savage Life and Scenes in Australia and New Zealand (1847). Angas returned to England in 1852 and continued to work as an artist and naturalist. He died in London in 1886, aged 64. Today his illustrations are valued for their scientific accuracy as well as their artistic beauty, and many are in collections around the world.