Motacilla aguimp (African pied wagtail) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon's "Motacilla aguimp (African pied wagtail)" is a watercolor and ink drawing depicting a bird perched on a branch, created sometime between 1777 and 1786. The bird, rendered with precise detail, showcases Gordon's expertise in natural history illustration. Gordon, a Dutch-born military officer, was known for his detailed observations of flora and fauna during his travels in South Africa. This piece, part of a larger series documenting the region's wildlife, highlights the importance of scientific illustration in the 18th century.