Cape Ram Possibly 1778

"Cape Ram" is a pen-and-ink drawing by Robert Jacob Gordon, possibly dating back to 1778. The artwork depicts a ram standing on a grassy knoll, its body covered in black and white spots and its horns curled forward. The artist was known for his detailed observations of the natural world, especially during his time as a surveyor and military officer in the Cape Colony. The work captures the ram's distinctive features with precision, reflecting Gordon's interest in scientific illustration. The inscription beneath the animal provides measurements of its body parts, further demonstrating the artist's meticulous approach.