The Shell (Conus marmoreus)

Rembrandt van Rijn (mentioned on object), 1650

Collecting exotic shells was a popular hobby in the 17th century, and it excited Rembrandt’s interest too. He had a small natural history collection of his own, including this marbled cone shell; it is similar in shape to the conus cervus, a ‘deer’ cone. He rendered the form and markings of the shell with meticulous care on the copperplate. Note that the shell appears in mirror image.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-OB-241
  • Dimensionsheight 97 mm x width 129 mm
  • Physical characteristicsets, droge naald en burijn