Cythna Lindenberg Letty (1895 – 1985) was a distinguished South African botanical artist and writer, celebrated for her detailed and scientifically accurate depictions of the region’s flora. Born in Pretoria, Letty developed an early interest in art and natural history, which she pursued at the Pretoria Art School. Her artistic journey combined her passion for nature and her exceptional talent for precision in botanical illustration.
Letty's career flourished during her tenure at the National Herbarium in Pretoria, where she worked from 1927 until her retirement in 1956. During this period, she illustrated a significant number of botanical specimens, many of which became reference works for botanists and enthusiasts. Her contributions to the field are most notably captured in her book, "Wild Flowers of the Transvaal" (1962), which features over 400 illustrations and remains a critical resource for understanding South Africa’s plant life.
Letty’s work is distinguished by her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to combine scientific accuracy with artistic beauty. Her illustrations adorned numerous scientific publications, and she contributed to South African postage stamp designs featuring indigenous flora.
Her legacy continues through the Cythna Letty Medal, awarded by the Botanical Society of South Africa for outstanding contributions to botanical illustration. Letty’s impact is further preserved in collections such as those housed at the South African National Biodiversity Institute.
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