Plate III, from "Choix de Coquillages et de Crustacés" 1758

This is Plate III from "Choix de Coquillages et de Crustacés" by Franz Michael Regenfuss, a tableau of carefully rendered shells. The shells here are more than mere specimens; they are symbols deeply embedded in the human psyche. Consider the cowrie shell, a recurring motif. Note its resemblance to the human eye and female genitalia, linking it to ancient symbols of fertility, protection, and the cycle of life. Across cultures, from ancient Egypt to parts of Africa and Asia, cowrie shells have been used as currency, amulets, and adornments, each use layering meaning onto the object. Such symbols recur throughout history, transforming yet remaining tethered to their primal origins. The persistence of these symbols speaks to our collective memory, an inherited visual language that engages us on a subconscious level. These shells, carefully arranged on the plate, become potent reminders of our connection to the natural world, embodying the enduring power of symbols across time and cultures.