Hippopotamus amphibius capensis (Hippopotamus) Possibly 1777 - 1778

This drawing of a Hippopotamus, rendered by Robert Jacob Gordon, reveals more than just the animal's anatomy. Notice the detailed rendering of the hippo's reproductive organs, presented almost as a scientific specimen. Consider how animals, particularly their reproductive organs, have been laden with symbolic weight across cultures. In ancient Egypt, the hippopotamus was associated with fertility and motherhood, embodied by the goddess Taweret. In other contexts, animals might represent primal instincts and unchecked desires. The scientific and detached approach of this drawing underscores the shifting perceptions of the natural world during the Enlightenment. Yet, the persistence of the animal form itself evokes more ancient, subconscious connections to the animal kingdom, touching upon the primal aspects of existence. These connections and their associated meanings are not linear but cyclical, resurfacing and evolving across time.