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1 of 253523 objects
Noble pen shell c. 1630-40
Watercolour and bodycolour over black chalk | 44.1 x 32.5 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 932926
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A watercolour and bodycolour drawing depicting two views of a mollusc. This large bivalve, common in the Mediterranean, lives buried in the seabed, anchored by golden fibrous threads which can be woven into a textile. The upper view shows the outside of the shell with an oyster attached to the specimen, while the lower view shows the shell opened to display the animal’s anatomy.
Provenance
Commissioned by Cassiano dal Pozzo; from whose heirs purchased by Pope Clement XI, 1703; his nephew, Cardinal Alessandro Albani, 1721; from whom bought by George III, 1762 and thence by descent to King George V (dispersed from Royal Library between the two World Wars); London art market (most via dealer Jacob Mendelson); ?Colnaghi (annotation on verso); Bearne's acutioneer, Exeter; Christie's London, Old Master Drawings sale, 3 April 1995, lot 36; Queen Elizabeth II
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
Commissioner(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour and bodycolour over black chalk
Measurements
44.1 x 32.5 cm (sheet of paper)
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 32926Alternative title(s)
Lat. Pinna clausa, Rome Trombone di mare. Pinna cadem aperta.