Androcymbium capense (L.) Krause. Possibly 1777 - 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon made this image of an Androcymbium capense, sometime before his death in 1795. It is a botanical illustration, a watercolor on paper, that offers a detailed look at this unique plant. The botanical illustration is a perfect blend of art and science, that requires meticulous observation. The artist has paid careful attention to the plant's form, texture, and color. The delicate brushstrokes and the precise rendering of details reveal not only the plant's structure but also its inherent beauty. These illustrations supported the colonial economic ambitions of collection and classification. During this period, many skilled artists were employed to document the natural world, and played a key role in shaping our understanding of the world. Gordon's rendering of the Androcymbium capense is no exception, highlighting the intersection of art, science, and colonialism.