Studie van een schelp 1824 - 1900

Albertus Steenbergen made this watercolor study of a shell in the Netherlands, sometime in the 19th century. The meticulous detail brings to mind the scientific illustrations so prized at the time. The 19th century saw the rise of natural history as a popular pursuit. Institutions like museums and botanical gardens flourished, and amateur collectors eagerly sought out specimens from around the globe. The Dutch, with their long history of maritime exploration and trade, played a key role in this global exchange of knowledge and goods. Consider the wealth of specimens that would have been available to artists like Steenbergen. Although it seems simple, this image reflects a specific moment in the history of science and collecting. Further research into Dutch natural history societies and the art market of the time would undoubtedly shed more light on its context.