Mycteria ibis (Yellow-billed stork) Possibly 1778

"Mycteria ibis (Yellow-billed stork)" is a watercolor painting by Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch artist who lived from 1743 to 1795. The painting, possibly dated 1778, depicts a yellow-billed stork standing on one leg with its beak extended. Gordon’s meticulous detail and realistic depiction are hallmarks of his natural history illustrations. He often included handwritten notes on his drawings, as seen here, further highlighting his scientific interest. This work exemplifies Gordon's contribution to the field of ornithological illustration and showcases his ability to capture the intricate beauty of the natural world.