Hieraaetus pennatus (Booted eagle) Possibly 1777 - 1786

This watercolor on paper, created by Robert Jacob Gordon between 1777 and 1786, depicts a Booted eagle, also known as a Hieraaetus pennatus. The drawing showcases Gordon's meticulous attention to detail, evident in the lifelike depiction of the bird's feathers and talons. Gordon, a prolific artist and explorer, created numerous detailed illustrations of the natural world during his travels through Southern Africa. This particular work exemplifies his scientific approach to illustration, evident in the inclusion of measurements and text describing the eagle's features. The artwork offers a glimpse into the early scientific understanding of the natural world and Gordon's contributions to the field of ornithology.