Crocuta crocuta (Spotted hyena) Possibly 1777

Here is Robert Jacob Gordon’s watercolor drawing of a spotted hyena from July 1777. Notice the animal's posture, how it stands frozen in place, as if caught in a moment of tense awareness. The hyena, often misunderstood, carries rich symbolism across cultures. In some African traditions, it represents both death and rebirth. In European folklore, it is frequently associated with witchcraft and the darker aspects of the human psyche. The spots, like the eyes of Argus, seem to have a life of their own, staring back at us, provoking unease. Consider how such animal representations appear throughout history. Think of the jackal-headed god Anubis in ancient Egypt, guiding souls to the afterlife. The collective unconscious seems to imbue these creatures with a power that transcends mere representation. This hyena, caught between scientific observation and cultural projection, invites us to consider the complex interplay of nature, perception, and primal fears. It's a testament to the enduring power of symbols, continually resurfacing in our shared cultural memory.