Panorama of the west coast of the southern part of South Africa seen from Robben Island Possibly 1777

Robert Jacob Gordon created this panoramic view of the South African coast from Robben Island, using pen, ink, and watercolour. At first glance, the division into two distinct registers strikes the eye, each presenting a different perspective and depth of field. The upper band, rendered in darker tones, depicts a detailed view of the landscape, its textural complexity achieved through fine, layered brushstrokes. The lower register offers a broader vista, characterized by the subtle interplay of light and atmosphere. Here, the horizon line blurs, creating an ambiguous sense of space and distance. Gordon masterfully employs the technique of atmospheric perspective, where objects fade into the background, to emphasize the vastness of the scene. The composition invites us to consider not only the geographical expanse but also the structural underpinnings of colonial observation and representation. Ultimately, this dual perspective challenges our understanding of landscape as a unified and objective entity. The artwork serves as a reminder that every landscape is mediated through specific viewpoints and systems of representation.