Tadorna cana (South African shelduck) Possibly 1777 - 1786

"Tadorna cana (South African shelduck)" is a watercolor painting by Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch-born artist who documented the flora and fauna of South Africa in the late 18th century. The artwork depicts a South African shelduck, a species of duck found in southern Africa. This meticulously detailed study showcases Gordon's talent for naturalism and his dedication to capturing the beauty of the natural world. The presence of a scale below the bird suggests the artwork was likely created for scientific purposes.