Antidorcas marsupialis (Springbok) Possibly 1774 - 1786

This watercolor drawing of an Antidorcas marsupialis, or Springbok, was made by Robert Jacob Gordon in the late 18th century. The springbok, with its slender build and graceful horns, is a powerful symbol of South Africa. Its image resonates with earlier depictions of horned animals, like the aurochs in Paleolithic cave paintings. These earlier images were possibly totemic symbols linked to the hunt and survival. Similarly, the springbok, indigenous to South Africa, embodies agility, speed, and the life force of the African plains. Over time, the horned animal has reappeared in diverse cultural contexts – from the sacred bulls of ancient Crete to the horned deities of various pagan traditions, each imbued with its own local significance. The image of the springbok, like its predecessors, carries with it echoes of humanity’s enduring connection to the animal world. It evokes primal instincts and a deep, subconscious recognition of nature’s power.