Getting started with the collection:
Two carved shells
attributed to Cornelis Bellekin, c. 1670 - c. 1700
Bellekin transformed nature into art, producing objects perfectly in keeping with the 17th-century concept of a collection of rarities. VOC ships brought back oyster shells from the Indian Ocean, which Bellekin carved with scenes from Greek mythology in low relief: Perseus on his winged horse rescuing Andromeda, and the nymph Scylla reaching out to the sea god Glaucus.
- Artwork typesculpture
- Object numberBK-NM-616
- Dimensionsheight 9 cm x width 8 cm x thickness 1 cm
- Physical characteristicsmother of pearl