Gethyllis britteniana Baker (Kukumakranka) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon created this watercolor drawing of a Gethyllis Britteniana. The composition features a central, vertically oriented plant with bulbous roots and delicate, curling tendrils. The restrained palette of muted greens, greys, and whites gives the illustration a scientific, almost taxonomic feel. Gordon’s careful observation of the plant’s structure—its roots, bulb, stem, flower, and ghostly tendrils—invites us to consider the relationships between the parts. The bulb sits grounded, while the flower reaches upwards in a sinuous curve that is both natural and stylized. The subtle washes of color create depth, accentuating the contrast between the plant's organic form and the flat, neutral background. The plant's ethereal quality is enhanced by Gordon’s delicate use of line and color. This drawing presents an object of both scientific curiosity and aesthetic contemplation, highlighting the formal beauty inherent in natural structures.