Diceros bicornis (Black rhinoceros) c. 1778 - 1779

Robert Jacob Gordon's "Diceros bicornis (Black rhinoceros)" is a detailed pencil drawing of a rhinoceros's head, created between 1778 and 1779. This naturalistic depiction showcases the artist's keen observation of the animal's anatomy, capturing its unique features with precision. Gordon, a Dutch military officer and explorer, traveled extensively in South Africa and documented his observations of the local flora and fauna through drawings and journals, contributing to the field of natural history illustration. This work offers insight into the artist's fascination with the natural world and the scientific illustration practices of the 18th century.