Sphenoeacus afer (Cape grassbird) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon's "Sphenoeacus afer (Cape grassbird)" is a watercolor painting that depicts the bird perched on a branch with a backdrop of grasses and a distant landscape. The artwork is a study in detail, with fine lines and realistic portrayal of the bird's plumage. Gordon, a Dutch-born military officer and artist, created this piece during his time in South Africa, capturing the region's diverse fauna. The painting is an example of natural history art, which was popular in the 18th century and served as a scientific documentation of the natural world.