Corvus albicollis (White-necked raven) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon made this image of a white-necked raven with pen and ink and watercolor. These materials are portable, relatively inexpensive, and well-suited to capturing observations in the field, which speaks to the context in which Gordon was working. The controlled strokes of ink define the outline and details of the bird, while the watercolor creates subtle gradations of tone and color. Note how the artist uses the texture of the paper to suggest the rough surface of the rock where the raven perches, alongside the smooth plumage of the bird. While this may seem a straightforward depiction, its scientific precision is a reminder of the intersection of art, exploration, and colonial ambition. These drawings were made as part of documenting and claiming the natural resources of Southern Africa. So, while we can appreciate the delicate skill on display, it’s also important to recognize the social context of its making, where art and science were put in the service of empire.