The Shell (Conus marmoreus)

1650

Rembrandt was not immune to the 17th-century fascination with exotic natural curiosities: he even owned a ‘large quantity of shells and marine inhabitants’. This example, which in Rembrandt’s time was listed as Stag’s Horn, doubtless belonged to his collection. In this etching he recorded the characteristic dark brown and white markings with utmost precision. Note that the actual shell is shown in reverse in the print.