Rhabdomys pumilio (Four-striped grass mouse) after 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon was a Dutch military officer and artist who documented the flora and fauna of South Africa in the 18th century. “Rhabdomys pumilio (Four-striped grass mouse)” is a detailed watercolor painting executed after 1786. The image portrays a four-striped grass mouse in profile, depicted with anatomical accuracy and rendered in a naturalist style. Gordon's careful observation and skillful execution make this a fascinating glimpse into the natural world of 18th-century South Africa, a time of exploration and discovery.