Tricholaema leucomelas (Acacia pied barbet) Possibly 1777 - 1786

"Tricholaema leucomelas (Acacia pied barbet)" is a watercolor on paper by Robert Jacob Gordon, a Scottish artist who traveled and documented flora and fauna in South Africa during the 18th century. This particular piece depicts a detailed rendering of an Acacia pied barbet, a bird native to the African region. Gordon's precise and meticulous style captures the bird's plumage, features, and posture, making this artwork a valuable record of natural history and a testament to Gordon's artistry. The inscription "Le barbu, Nile. Cronjes River," provides additional context to the artwork, indicating the location of the bird and its common name in the region. This painting, believed to be created between 1777 and 1786, exemplifies Gordon's contribution to scientific illustration and offers a glimpse into the diverse avian world of the 18th century.