Olivia elegans shell from the wreck of the Dutch East India ship Witte Leeuw before 1613

This Olivia elegans shell, a type of sea snail, was recovered from the wreck of the Dutch East India ship Witte Leeuw which sank in 1613. The shell, on display at the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to the global trade routes and the vast quantities of goods carried on these ships. The intricate patterns and textures of the shell showcase the beauty and diversity of the natural world, highlighting the importance of these objects in the scientific and artistic exploration of the 17th century.