Object Number 1959.0848 A- C

Object Name

Shellwork picture (Sailor's valentine)

Category

Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)

Credit Line/Donor

Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont

Place of Origin

Salem, Essex, Massachusetts, New England, United States, North America

Origin Notes

Inscription on back mentions Salem (possibly Massachusetts).

Date

1814

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Inscription; Backboard, lower right corner; "Barton/ Salem 1814"

Subjects

Animals

Materials

Shell (mollusk); Mahogany; Glass; Sand; Stain; Paint

Techniques

Hand colored, Shellwork, Painted

Dimensions (inches)

10.4 (H) , 10.5 (W) , 2 (D)

Dimensions (centimeters)

26.5 (H) , 26.7 (W) , 5.2 (D)

Measurement Notes

Measurements are of box. H at left. W at bottom. D at upper left.

Object Description

Web - 03/02/2021

This framed shell work is a mosaic picture with an intricate symmetrical design composed of small sea shells of various colors and shapes creating circles, squares, flowers and swags all glued on a red-colored sand background. The central motif of an eagle with upswept wings, a shield, and clasping arrows and an olive branch in its talons depicts the U.S. Seal, a popular choice for folk art and patriotic imagery during the War of 1812 era.