Colius colius ? (White-backed mousebird) Possibly 1777 - 1786

Robert Jacob Gordon created this watercolor drawing of a "Colius colius ? (White-backed mousebird)" at an undetermined date. Gordon was a Dutch explorer, military officer, and naturalist of Scottish descent, who is best known for his extensive travels in southern Africa during the late 18th century. The image speaks volumes about the historical context of colonialism and scientific exploration. As a naturalist, Gordon's task was to document and classify the natural world, contributing to the broader project of European expansion and knowledge production. The detailed rendering of the bird reflects a scientific gaze, yet it also carries the weight of colonial power dynamics. Who gets to name and define? Whose knowledge counts? Gordon's identity as a man of Scottish and Dutch heritage, operating within the context of colonial South Africa, further complicates our understanding. His work exists at the intersection of various cultural and political forces. Consider the emotional implications of capturing and cataloging living beings, reducing them to specimens within a colonial archive. This artwork then becomes a poignant reflection on the intertwined histories of science, colonialism, and identity.