Damaliscus pygargus pygarus (Bontebok) Possibly 1777

This is Robert Jacob Gordon’s drawing of a Bontebok, likely made in the late 18th century. As a military officer in service of the Dutch East India Company, Gordon traveled extensively in South Africa. The Bontebok, a species of antelope, was nearing extinction at this time due to hunting and habitat loss from colonial expansion. Gordon’s drawing reflects the intersection of natural history and colonial power. It’s an attempt to document the flora and fauna of the region, but it also facilitated European control of the land and its resources. The detached, scientific style contrasts with the animal's vulnerable position. Note how the Bontebok, carefully rendered with attention to its unique markings, is isolated against a sparse, undefined landscape. The image, like many from this era, invites us to consider whose perspectives and interests were prioritized in the making and interpretation of such works. It prompts us to think about how these depictions shaped, and continue to shape, our understanding of the natural world and its relationship to colonial history.