Crocuta crocuta (Spotted hyena) Possibly 1777

This watercolor painting by Robert Jacob Gordon, dated possibly 1777, depicts a spotted hyena, scientifically known as Crocuta crocuta. The artwork portrays the animal in profile, standing on a small patch of ground, with its head turned towards the viewer. Gordon's meticulous attention to detail and his realistic style make this a valuable example of natural history illustration. The painting is a testament to Gordon's skill as an artist and naturalist, capturing the hyena's unique features with remarkable precision.