Stapelia paniculata Willd.(Small starfish flower) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon created this watercolor drawing of a Stapelia paniculata, or small starfish flower. Gordon was a Dutch explorer, military officer, and naturalist of Scottish descent, who is most remembered for his extensive travels in southern Africa. During his time in the Cape, Gordon documented the landscape, flora, and fauna, but also the people he encountered, including the indigenous populations. This drawing of the Stapelia flower can be seen as a product of its time, reflecting the intersection of scientific exploration and colonial expansion. While there's an undeniable beauty in the delicate rendering of the plant, it also embodies a colonial gaze, one which seeks to classify and claim ownership of the natural world. Consider how the act of drawing flattens and captures the vitality of this indigenous plant. It reminds us to reflect on the complex interplay between observation, knowledge, and power.