Agama atra (Southern rock agama) Possibly 1777 - 1786

This watercolor painting of a Southern rock agama, titled "Agama atra", was created by Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch cartographer and artist, sometime between 1777 and 1786. It depicts the lizard in a detailed and naturalistic style, highlighting its scaly skin, spiky crest, and long tail. Gordon’s work is known for its meticulous attention to detail and its contribution to the field of natural history illustration. This particular piece showcases his talent for capturing the beauty and complexity of the natural world. The inscription "Salamander uit het Namaqua Land" (Salamander from the Namaqua Land) beneath the lizard further underscores the artwork's scientific purpose, offering insights into the fauna of Southern Africa.