French School
16th century
Study of a Queen Conch Shell
4 7/16 x 7 1/8 inches (112 x 182 mm)
Brush and orange-red and gray oil paint on paper.
1984.65
Gift of Felice Stampfle.
Notes
This study in oil depicts a Strombus gigas, or Queen Conch, a shell found in south Florida and the Carribean. The inclusion of shells in collector's cabinets attests to European interest in natural history subjects associated with the New World. It may have been made by a French or Flemish artist in preparation for inclusion in a still life painting.
Inscriptions/Markings
Inscribed on lining in graphite, "No 121"; bookplate.
Watermark: Grapes (cf. Briquet 13168: Béziers, 1596). Cluster of grapes with thick, short stem. Partly obscured by lead white in drawing.
Watermark: Grapes (cf. Briquet 13168: Béziers, 1596). Cluster of grapes with thick, short stem. Partly obscured by lead white in drawing.
Associated names
Anonymous, Italian School, 16th cent., Alternate attribution.
Philipps, Erasmus, 18th cent., former owner.
Philipps, Richard, Sir, 1744-1823, former owner.
Calmann, Hans M., 1899-1982, former owner.
Stampfle, Felice, former owner.
Philipps, Erasmus, 18th cent., former owner.
Philipps, Richard, Sir, 1744-1823, former owner.
Calmann, Hans M., 1899-1982, former owner.
Stampfle, Felice, former owner.
Bibliography
Ryskamp, Charles, ed. Twenty-First Report to the Fellows of the Pierpont Morgan Library, 1984-1986. New York : Pierpont Morgan Library, 1989, p. 341.
Artist
Classification
Century Drawings
School
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