Three Shells; in a Period Regence Frame

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Three Shells; in a Period Regence Frame

About the Item

The Renaissance noble collector was vitally interested in exotic and rare curiosities of nature. These, from such far-a-way places, were shown in their curio cabinets. These collections were prestigious items, conferring a reputation of culture for the owner. The Medici family commissioned artists to record their treasures, but other nobles also did as well. A study of natural history was of paramount interest. The blue shell pictured on the lower right side is of the Turbinidue family, a Turbo Marmoratus, mostly found from warm waters near coral reefs from four to twenty meters deep in the occidental coast of Fiji. These shells adhere well to rocks; the mother-of-pearl is used for jewelry and buttons – the shell is called “occhio di Santa Lucia” (St. Lucy’s eye) in Italian and were historically considered a talisman of good luck. The shell on the left is a rare example of Hexaplex radix in large size. This heavy shell is usually circa 11 cm. and is found on rocks in shallow waters from Panama to Ecuador, from the Muricidae group of crustations. The large striped shell in the center of the painting is a Nautilus Pomilius also known as a Pelagici Nautiluz. Its average size is 15 cm. its habitat from 50 to 500 meters below sea level in the Pacific Ocean and Indo-Pacific Ocean western area. It uses its shell like a idro static balloon, filling it with gas to go to the surface and liquid to descend. The Nautilus Pompilius lives on plancto constituted of Pelacic organisms, which are not capable of moving against the current. They catch their prey on the seabed with two circles of tentacles. There is a protective hood under which it can retire. In the Italian renaissance it was indeed a remarkable specimen and of interest to picture by the important noble collector. The painting has the same characteristics of technique as the Garzoni and Montfort examples of this art, accurately depicting natural objects, fruit and flowers. We wish to thank Professor Silvia Meloni Trukulja for the attribution to Bologna.

Dimensions:
Height: 8 in (20.32 cm)Width: 10 in (25.4 cm)
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
18th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
Bologna, circa 1680
Condition:
Excellent Antique.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
Seller: WOP 17-611stDibs: U1206048543314