Two beetles and a praying mantis (to be identified) Possibly 1777 - 1786

This watercolor and pen drawing of insects was made by Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch explorer and military officer, likely in the late 18th century. Gordon was commander of the Dutch garrison in Cape Town, and he is known for his extensive travels and detailed journals documenting the natural history and indigenous cultures of southern Africa. This image offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between scientific observation, colonial power, and cultural encounter. Gordon's work reflects the European fascination with cataloging and understanding the natural world, and it demonstrates his engagement with the landscape of the Cape. The indigenous names he includes alongside the illustrations show a genuine effort to learn from and document local knowledge. However, Gordon's position as a colonial official cannot be ignored. His work inevitably contributed to the broader project of colonial expansion and control. In this light, the detailed rendering of these insects may be seen as both an act of scientific curiosity and an assertion of European authority over the natural world.