Mellivora capensis (Honey-badger) 1773 - 1780

"Mellivora capensis (Honey-badger)" is a watercolor painting by Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch-born artist who traveled and documented the natural world during the 18th century. Created between 1773 and 1780, the artwork depicts a honey badger in profile, showcasing the animal's distinctive black and white coloration. The painting is a valuable example of natural history art, reflecting a fascination with the diverse flora and fauna of the Cape of Good Hope. Gordon's precise detail captures the honey badger's robust build and ferocious expression, highlighting its reputation as a fearless predator. The inscription below the image, written in Dutch, suggests that the animal was feared for its boldness and its ability to destroy beehives.