Huernia guttata (Masson) Haw. (Stapelia guttata) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon rendered this image of a Huernia guttata, or Stapelia guttata, in ink and watercolour. The plant's star-shaped flower immediately captures our attention. This star motif is not merely botanical; it echoes across cultures as a symbol of guidance, divinity, and the celestial. Consider the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the Magi, or the stars adorning the robes of deities in various traditions. This image seems to tap into a deep-seated human fascination with the cosmos. Yet, there's a tension here. The fleshy, almost decaying appearance of the plant, a common characteristic of Stapelia, evokes vanitas themes of transience. This juxtaposition of the celestial star with the earthly decay creates a complex dialogue. It shows the cyclical nature of life, where symbols are reborn, transformed, and reinterpreted across the ages.