Bitis caudalis (Horned adder) Possibly 1777 - 1786

This drawing of a Horned Adder was made by Robert Jacob Gordon. Here, the serpent is rendered in meticulous detail, immediately drawing our gaze to a symbol laden with complex cultural and historical meanings. Since ancient times, the snake has been associated with primal fears and desires. In many traditions, it represents chaos, the unknown, and the visceral aspects of life. Consider the serpent in the Garden of Eden, a tempter who promises knowledge, but delivers expulsion and awareness of mortality. Note the snake's forked tongue, a symbol of deceit, yet also of a profound connection to nature. It is a motif that recurs throughout history, from the caduceus of Hermes, a symbol of medicine and commerce, to the ouroboros, a snake eating its own tail, representing the cyclical nature of existence. These images evoke a primal, emotional response, tapping into our collective memories. The Horned Adder isn't merely an animal, but a potent symbol.