Bitis cornuta (Hornsman adder) Possibly 1777 - 1786

This detailed scientific illustration of a Hornsman adder (Bitis cornuta) was created by Robert Jacob Gordon, a Dutch-born military officer and natural historian, sometime between 1777 and 1786. Gordon's meticulous artwork captures the intricate details of the snake's scales and markings, presenting a valuable record of this venomous species found in the Cape region of South Africa. The illustration includes a ventral view of the snake's head, providing further insight into its anatomy. This work exemplifies Gordon's contribution to both natural history and artistic documentation.