Bradypodion pumilum (Cape dwarf chameleon) Possibly 1777 - 1786

This detailed drawing of a Cape dwarf chameleon, *Bradypodion pumilum*, is a work by Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch soldier and artist who documented the flora and fauna of South Africa in the 18th century. The drawing features a chameleon perched on a branch, its green scales and long tail depicted with precision. Gordon’s meticulously rendered works, often incorporating handwritten labels in Dutch, are valuable for their contribution to the scientific understanding of natural history. This artwork is an example of naturalism, where the artist seeks to portray the subject with accuracy and detail.