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Orycteropus afer (Aardvark), 1777-1786. Creator: Robert Jacob Gordon
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Orycteropus afer (Aardvark), 1777-1786. Creator: Robert Jacob Gordon
Orycteropus afer (Aardvark), 1777-1786
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Media ID 36355881
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Chalk On Paper Deck Paint Diagram Feet Foot Gordon Robert Jacob Ink On Paper Insectivore Mammal Natural History Nocturnal Robert Jacob Gordon Sketch Book Sketchbook South Africa South African Watercolor Paint Wild Animal Wildlife
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite 18th century drawing by Robert Jacob Gordon depicts the enigmatic Orycteropus afer, or aardvark, a unique mammal native to Africa. The aardvark, meaning "earth pig" in Afrikaans, is an insectivore and a nocturnal creature, spending most of its life in burrows along riverbanks. Gordon's meticulous rendering captures the aardvark's distinctive features, including its elongated snout, powerful claws, and muscular body. The artist skillfully employs a combination of media, including chalk, ink, and watercolor, to create a lifelike representation of this intriguing animal. The drawing is believed to have been created between 1777 and 1786, during the Dutch colonial period in South Africa. At the time, natural history was a burgeoning field, and artists and scientists collaborated to document the diverse flora and fauna of the continent. Gordon's drawing is a testament to the rich heritage of natural history art from the Netherlands, which has been preserved and celebrated in institutions such as the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The artist's attention to detail and scientific accuracy make this a valuable addition to any collection of African wildlife art or natural history. The aardvark's body is shown in profile, standing on its hind legs, with its feet firmly planted on the riverbank. Its long, pointed snout is raised, suggesting that it is searching for insects to eat. The drawing also includes a diagram of the aardvark's body, labeled with its various parts in neat, handwritten text. Despite its fearsome appearance, the aardvark is a gentle and solitary creature, rarely posing a threat to humans. Its importance in African ecosystems, however, is undeniable, as it plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations and maintaining the balance of the natural world.
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