A very fine 19th-century watercolor painting on paper featuring a basket of shells.
Condition: Good. Mounted but unframed.
Date: 19th century
Origin: United Kingdom
History:
Unsigned, but clearly the artist had considerable skill and an expert knowledge of watercolor painting. The detail is exquisite, from the glossy sea shells to the texture of the wicker basket. Whether you are a collector of shells and natural history, or you have an appreciation of fine watercolor painting, this is a stunning piece.
Shell collecting in the 19th century was a popular hobby among the wealthy and aristocratic classes. It was considered a symbol of refinement and sophistication, and collectors would often display their shells in elaborate cabinets and cases. Many collectors would travel the world to search for rare and exotic shells, and the collection and trade of shells became big business. Some collectors even published scientific journals on their findings, contributing to the growing field of malacology (the study of mollusks). Today, shell collecting remains a popular hobby, but the focus has shifted towards conservation and sustainability.
