Anthropoides paradisea (Blue crane or Stanley crane) Possibly 1777 - 1786

This watercolor illustration, created by Robert Jacob Gordon in the late 18th century, depicts the Anthropoides paradisea, also known as the blue crane or Stanley crane. The artwork portrays the bird standing on a grassy patch with a mountainous background, a detail typical of Gordon's style, which focused on naturalistic representation of South African flora and fauna. His work was often commissioned by individuals interested in exploring and understanding the natural world of the Cape Colony.