View of Robben Island c. 1777

Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch explorer of Scottish descent, created this watercolor view of Robben Island. Gordon's identity as an explorer working for the Dutch East India Company positions this artwork within a larger history of colonialism and exploration in the 18th century. Robben Island, a small landmass off the coast of South Africa, looms in the distance, serene yet holding a dark history as a place of imprisonment and suffering. The island became a symbol of resistance against apartheid, where political prisoners like Nelson Mandela were held. Gordon’s rendering almost neutralizes the island, reducing it to a mere geographical feature. As you observe the scene, consider the weight of untold stories and lives affected. This image quietly prompts us to reflect on the complexities of power, oppression, and the enduring spirit of those who fought for justice.