Telephorus zeylonus (Bokmakierie) c. 1778

Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch military officer and keen naturalist, produced this watercolor depiction of a *Telephorus zeylonus*, also known as the Bokmakierie, in c. 1778. The meticulous detail of the bird's plumage and its perch on a branch suggests Gordon's interest in scientific illustration, a popular genre at the time. The artwork captures the bird's striking color patterns and unique physical characteristics, providing a valuable insight into the bird's appearance and habitat. The *Telephorus zeylonus*, native to Southern Africa, was likely encountered by Gordon during his expeditions in the region. This watercolor, executed in shades of grey, brown, and green, serves as a record of Gordon's observations and contributes to the broader history of ornithological illustration.