Pectinaria articulata (Ait.) Haw. Possibly 1777 - 1786

This botanical illustration by Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch artist, depicts two types of succulents: Pectinaria articulata (Ait.) Haw. and Stapelia magna. This watercolor drawing, created sometime between 1777 and 1786, exemplifies Gordon's meticulous attention to detail and his passion for recording the natural world. Botanical illustration became a significant genre during the 18th century as it provided a valuable tool for scientific research and classification of plants, particularly in the age of exploration and discovery.