Palm cockatoo after 1780

This detailed illustration of a Palm Cockatoo was created by Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch military officer and naturalist, after 1780. Gordon is known for his meticulous depictions of the flora and fauna of the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. His work was often commissioned by the Dutch East India Company and helped to advance scientific knowledge of the region. The artwork showcases the artist's skill in capturing the bird's intricate plumage and the naturalism of its pose, perched on a branch. This piece is a fine example of 18th-century scientific illustration, blending artistic beauty with accurate depiction.