An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Nautilus Cup1607
Nautilus shells were brought to the Netherlands from Indonesia. Skilled Dutch silversmiths mounted them in silver, creating luxurious vessels that were sought after by wealthy collectors. Early Dutch nautilus cups are mainly associated with the city of Delft, although only a few other examples made in Delft are known from the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. They feature the dramatic motif of a sea monster’s head.
The nautilus is a marine mollusk that swims by expelling water from its shell using jet propulsion.
Silver-gilt, nautilus shell
Overall: 33.3 x 10.6 x 20.1 cm (13 1/8 x 4 3/16 x 7 15/16 in.)
J.H. Wade Trust Fund
In the tranquil waters of the Indonesian seas, the mesmerizing nautilus shell began its journey, spinning through the waves like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. It was a marvel of nature, with its spiraled chambers and polished elegance, quietly drifting through the depths, unaware of the allure it would one day hold in Europe.
As time cast its net wide, these beautiful shells found their way to the bustling markets of the Netherlands. Here, amidst the vibrant streets of Delft, they became coveted gems for the elite, each one a whisper of the sea's secrets. Skilled silversmiths, their hands deft with the artistry passed down through generations, carefully transformed these shells. They mounted them in gleaming silver, turning simple nautilus shells into luxurious vessels that shimmered like the sun’s reflection on the water.
The early Dutch nautilus cups, with their unique blend of craftsmanship and nature’s artistry, soon captured the imagination of affluent collectors. Each cup told a story, a glimpse into a world where the ocean met the artisan's workshop. Particularly in Delft, where only a handful of these exquisite pieces were created in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, they became symbols of opulence.
Emboldened by their beauty, these masterpieces often bore the dramatic motif of a sea monster’s head, a vivid reminder of the mysterious waters from which they emerged. Such craftsmanship invited admiration and intrigue, hinting at tales of adventure and the allure of the unknown. These vessels not only served as objects of beauty but also as vessels of stories, carrying the essence of the sea into the homes of those who sought to possess a piece of its wonder. In their shimmering presence, the nautilus cups bridged the gap between humanity and the ocean, weaving a rich narrative that continues to thrive through the memories of those who cherished them.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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