Murex tenuispina Possibly 1962

Charles Arthur Wells, Jr. created this print of a Murex tenuispina, a type of sea snail, sometime in the late 20th century. Although the image might strike us as a straightforward, even scientific, depiction of a natural form, the act of meticulously rendering this shell through the printmaking process transforms it. We should consider how Wells’s artistic practice relates to the historical context of American printmaking. Was he part of a larger artistic movement, or associated with a particular school or institution? The print is a medium with a long history of social and political engagement. From satirical prints critiquing political figures to documentary images exposing social injustices, printed images have played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and driving social change. To fully appreciate Wells’s work, further research into his artistic background, influences, and intentions would be invaluable. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.