Elf grote en kleine tropische kaurie schelpen 1726 - 1779

"Elf grote en kleine tropische kaurie schelpen" is a watercolor painting by Johann Gustav Hoch, a German artist who specialized in natural history illustrations. Completed sometime between 1726 and 1779, this artwork depicts 11 different types of cowrie shells with remarkable detail and accuracy. Hoch's meticulous rendering of the shells' intricate patterns and textures showcases his mastery of naturalism and scientific observation. The painting exemplifies the 18th-century fascination with the natural world, and it serves as a valuable historical document of the diverse marine life found in tropical regions.