Orycteropus afer (Aardvark) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Curator: Let's take a closer look at this striking natural history illustration. It’s titled "Orycteropus afer (Aardvark)" and is attributed to Robert Jacob Gordon, possibly created between 1777 and 1786. It combines watercolor and drawing techniques. Editor: My first impression is one of slightly whimsical realism. The subject, an aardvark, dominates the composition, yet there’s an almost surreal quality to the rendering of its habitat. The tonal gradations work wonderfully. Curator: Indeed. Note the careful rendering of the aardvark’s form – the subtle use of hatching to define its musculature, the contrast in texture between its coarse fur and smooth skin. It's almost scientific in its precision. Editor: But the artist clearly infused the creature with a personality. The long snout entering the termite mound strikes me as symbolic—an almost primal urge to connect with its food source, to be nurtured. Curator: I appreciate your focus on symbolism, but the stark horizontal composition lends the piece a graphic weight. Notice how the ground plane stretches, acting almost like a stage, upon which the subject is presented for examination. Editor: Absolutely, the ground provides context but even the mound takes on an anthropomorphic feel when one examines the cavities in its surfaces. What is more, in many African cultures, the aardvark represents diligence and determination, traits perhaps admired, given their relentless pursuit of sustenance. Curator: I concede that the context gives greater meaning to the art. The light blue-grey color of the sky acts like a frame, accentuating the natural form of the aardvark in ways which add definition to the planes and visual impact of the artwork overall. The interplay of the natural with human artistry, you could say. Editor: It's fascinating how even in seemingly objective depictions of the natural world, cultural beliefs and psychological projections find their way in. Thank you, my perception has shifted looking again at this image of diligence and primal satisfaction. Curator: And for me, thinking about the cultural overlay adds yet another intriguing dimension to its formal structure.