Stapelia hirsute L. (Starfish flower) by Robert Jacob Gordon

Stapelia hirsute L. (Starfish flower) Possibly 1777 - 1786

robertjacobgordon

photo of handprinted image

aged paper

toned paper

light pencil work

pastel soft colours

ink paper printed

old engraving style

personal sketchbook

sketchbook drawing

watercolour illustration

Robert Jacob Gordon's detailed botanical illustration, "Stapelia hirsute L. (Starfish flower)," showcases the intricate beauty of a rare, succulent flower. Created between 1777 and 1786, the drawing captures the star-shaped bloom with its delicate petals and the distinctive, hairy texture of the plant. Gordon's precise rendering of the flower and its stem, along with the use of subtle shading, highlights the unique characteristics of this unusual species. The work demonstrates Gordon's keen eye for observation and artistic skill in capturing the beauty of the natural world.