Kaart van Zuid-Afrika Possibly 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon made this map of South Africa using pen and ink and watercolour. The choice of these traditional art materials is interesting, especially when we consider the context. Maps like these weren’t just about geography, but about power, trade, and colonial ambitions. Watercolour lends itself to the depiction of natural resources and ethnographic vignettes, painting an inviting picture for potential exploitation. The relatively flat and lightweight nature of pen, ink and watercolour on paper allowed for easy transportation during explorations, which could be quickly produced on location. Consider the labour involved: from the physical exertion of exploration and documentation, to the intellectual labour of translation and interpretation. Gordon skillfully blends the roles of explorer, artist, and recorder, yet his work also raises questions about whose perspectives are included, and which are not. This map transcends the distinction between art and craft. It's a cultural artifact laden with meaning, inviting us to reflect on the complex interplay of art, labor, and social context.