Terathopius ecaudatus (Bataleur) Possibly 1778

This watercolor painting by Robert Jacob Gordon, titled "Terathopius ecaudatus (Bataleur)" is a detailed depiction of the African Hawk-eagle, a bird of prey native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Gordon, a Dutch military officer and artist, created this work around 1778, during his time in South Africa. The painting highlights the bird’s striking black and brown plumage, with its sharp talons and piercing gaze captured in meticulous detail. It is a testament to Gordon’s talent as a naturalist and his keen observation of the natural world. The artwork's realistic depiction of the hawk-eagle on a branch, with a simple background, places it within the tradition of scientific illustration.