Houder van nautilusschelp 1650 - 1700

This small ivory nautilus shell holder was crafted by Cornelis Bellekin, a Dutch artist active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Observe the interplay of circular forms, which dominate the composition and draw the eye inward. The concentric rings create a sense of depth and containment, while the delicate carvings add textural complexity. The piece achieves a visual harmony through symmetry and repetition, yet the subtle variations in pattern disrupt any sense of rigid uniformity. Bellekin's choice of ivory as a medium connects the piece to broader cultural narratives around luxury and trade. Ivory was highly valued, its smooth surface allowing for intricate details and the suggestion of preciousness. The floral motifs and geometric designs are not merely decorative; they may be viewed as cultural codes, referencing classical forms and colonial expansion during the Dutch Golden Age. The artwork invites us to consider the ways in which form and material can evoke historical and cultural contexts. The symmetry of the whole piece doesn't offer fixed meanings, but, rather, it initiates a dialogue between the aesthetic and the historical.