Chlorocebus pygerythrus (Vervet monkey) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon made this drawing of Chlorocebus pygerythrus, or Vervet monkey, using pen, ink, and watercolour. The monkeys, rendered in muted greens and browns, sit in a somewhat sparse landscape defined by simple lines and washes. The composition focuses on the symmetrical arrangement of the two monkeys, subtly contrasting their mirrored poses. Gordon's technique emphasizes precise outlines and flat colour fields, reflecting a scientific interest in documenting natural specimens. This approach aligns with Enlightenment ideals, where empirical observation and classification were paramount. The minimal background reduces spatial depth, drawing attention to the monkeys' forms. Consider how the artist balanced scientific accuracy with aesthetic choices, creating an image that invites both study and contemplation. The monkeys' contemplative postures and the subtle variations in texture suggest an attempt to capture not just their appearance, but their essence.