Hippotragus leucophaeus (Bluebuck) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon made this watercolor drawing of a Bluebuck, a now-extinct antelope native to South Africa. Here, the animal is represented through delicate lines and washes. The artist carefully rendered the antelope’s form, capturing the subtle gradations of its coat and the texture of its horns. The layering of pigment suggests a meticulous process, with each stroke contributing to the overall impression of the animal’s anatomy. But beyond the animal's physical appearance, we might also consider the drawing within its historical context. Gordon was a military commander in the Dutch East India Company. In this context, the representation of the Bluebuck tells a story of colonial exploration and exploitation. The drawing, an early form of scientific cataloging, served to classify and document the natural resources of the land, facilitating their extraction and commodification. This intertwining of art, science, and colonial power underscores the complex relationship between artistic representation and social control.