Shell (Vasum ceramicum) c. 1645

Wenceslaus Hollar's etching "Shell (Vasum ceramicum)" from c. 1645, showcases the artist's meticulous attention to detail. This small-scale print, measuring only 3/8 x 5 9/16 inches, depicts a single seashell with striking accuracy. Hollar, a renowned 17th-century printmaker, is known for his precise rendering of natural forms, which he achieved through careful observation and skillful use of etching techniques. This artwork exemplifies the burgeoning interest in natural history during the scientific revolution, where detailed studies of the natural world were highly valued.