Phalacrocorax capensis (Cape cormorant) Possibly 1777 - 1786

This detailed illustration of a Cape Cormorant, scientifically known as Phalacrocorax capensis, was created by Robert Jacob Gordon, a renowned Dutch artist, between 1777 and 1786. The meticulously rendered bird stands on a rocky shore, its plumage depicted with precision, showcasing the artist's keen eye for detail. The image's title, "Zee Duiker uit de Modderbaay," suggests the bird's habitat and the artist's interest in natural history. Gordon's illustrations, often accompanied by scale measurements, contributed significantly to the documentation of the South African fauna during his time in the region.