Shells on a Stone Plinth by Adriaen Coorte

Shells on a Stone Plinth 1698

sculpture

charcoal drawing

sculptural image

possibly oil pastel

oil painting

unrealistic statue

underpainting

charcoal

3d art

watercolor

Adriaen Coorte's "Shells on a Stone Plinth" (1698) is a still life painting characterized by its simple composition and meticulous detail. The artwork showcases a collection of seashells arranged on a stone plinth against a dark background, highlighting the intricate textures and patterns of the natural forms. Coorte, known for his mastery of depicting the textures of everyday objects, uses light and shadow to emphasize the shells' delicate beauty, creating a sense of depth and realism. The piece reflects the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with scientific observation and the appreciation for the beauty of nature.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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Coorte arranged the shells on a stone plinth against a dark background in such a way that each one receives attention, displaying its own form, colour, and structure. Coorte, moreover, painted them life size. These kinds of exotic shells were brought to the Netherlands in the ships of the Dutch East and West India Companies and were highly prized by collectors, who paid enormous amounts for them.