Oryx gazella (Gemsbok) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Here we have the Oryx gazella, or Gemsbok, a drawing made by Robert Jacob Gordon in the late 18th century, rendered with ink and watercolor. Note the creature’s striking horns, symbols of power and virility throughout human history. Antlers and horns appear across cultures, from the stag in Celtic mythology to the bull in ancient Crete. Each embodies strength, energy, and the untamed forces of nature. Observe how the artist meticulously depicts the animal's physical attributes, yet it’s the upward thrust of the horns that commands our attention. Consider how this motif appears in other contexts, like the headdresses of ancient deities. Over time, the image shifts, yet its fundamental essence—an assertion of power—endures. Such symbols tap into our collective memory, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. It is through the non-linear progression of symbols that they resurface and evolve through history, with shifting meanings.