Bos taurus: Cape Ox Possibly 1778

Robert Jacob Gordon's watercolor "Bos taurus: Cape Ox," possibly dated 1778, is a detailed depiction of a Cape ox in profile, standing on a grassy plain. The artwork's meticulous detail and the ox's large, curving horns showcase Gordon's skill as a naturalist artist. This work is a valuable record of the Cape ox's physical attributes and its natural environment, offering insight into the artist's observations and the flora and fauna of the region. Gordon, a Dutch military officer and explorer, is known for his numerous drawings and watercolors of plants, animals, and landscapes he encountered during his travels in South Africa.