Conchophilia: Shells, Art, and Curiosity in Early Modern Europe

Conchophilia explores the artistic and cultural significance of shells in early modern Europe, revealing how the influx of exotic shells fueled their study and representation. It highlights the intimate relationship between shells and people, intersecting with natural history, global trade, and philosophical inquiry. The authors focus on northern Europe, examining how shells were perceived, collected, and valued in the visual arts, shaping how individuals perceived their relationship to the natural world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Among nature's most exquisite creations, shells have long captivated the curiosity and admiration of artisans, artists, collectors, and thinkers alike. Conchophilia delves into the profound and intricate relationship between shells and humans, providing an unprecedented account of the early modern era, during which the influx of exotic shells to Europe sparked a renewed fascination and exploration. From intricately designed nautilus cups and shell-encrusted grottoes to delicate miniatures, this lavishly illustrated book unveils how the love of shells intersected with the rise of natural history, global trade, philosophical inquiry, issues of race and gender, and the emergence of art-historical connoisseurship.

Shells played a pivotal role in the exchange of ideas and goods, circulating at the crossroads of commerce and intellectual pursuit. The authors focus on northern Europe, where the interest and trade in shells had the greatest impact on the visual arts. They examine how shells were perceived as exotic objects, the role they played in courtly collections, their presence in still-life tableaus, and the connections between their forms and those of the human body. Artists employed various techniques, such as gilding, carving, etching, and inking, to evoke the delicate boundary between art and nature, enhancing the visual appeal and symbolic significance of shells.

These interactions with shells not only shaped the ways in which early modern individuals perceived their relationship with the natural world but also influenced their artistic endeavors and pursuit of knowledge. Conchophilia explores a wide range of artistic mediums, including painting, printmaking, architecture, and the decorative arts, shedding light on the fascinating ways in which shells were circulated, depicted, collected, and valued during this period. It uncovers the intricate networks of trade, patronage, and connoisseurship that facilitated the exchange of shells and shaped the cultural landscape of early modern Europe.

Through its comprehensive examination of the cultural and artistic significance of shells in early modern Europe, Conchophilia offers a valuable insight into the complex interplay between nature, culture, and the human imagination. It demonstrates how shells, once considered mere objects of natural beauty, became objects of desire, cultural significance, and artistic expression. This book serves as a testament to the enduring power of nature and the enduring fascination with its intricate forms and textures.

Weight: 746g
Dimension: 193 x 257 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691248592