Panorama of Plettenberg Bay seen from the coast Possibly 1778

Robert Jacob Gordon’s watercolor, "Panorama of Plettenberg Bay seen from the coast," presents an extensive view through a carefully structured composition. The work stretches horizontally, emphasizing the breadth of the landscape. The artist uses subtle gradations of colour—primarily greens and blues—to denote depth. The horizontal composition and the muted palette create a serene, almost meditative quality. The bay stretches out with rhythmic repetition of land and sea, like a musical score. The work captures a moment of observation, where space and form meet. What is interesting here is how Gordon uses the conventions of landscape art to create an almost abstract experience, prioritizing the essence of space and perception. It's as if Gordon is inviting us to consider not just what is seen, but how we see.