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For internal use only
On Display: House - Counting Room
Shellwork picture (Sailor's valentine)
1814
Description
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.
Category
Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)
Place of Origin
Salem; Massachusetts; Essex; New England; United States; North America
Materials
- Shell (mollusk)
- Mahogany
- Glass
- Sand
- Stain
- Paint
Museum Object Number
1959.0848 A- C
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
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Complete Details
Object Number
1959.0848 A- C
Object Name
Shellwork picture (Sailor's valentine)
Category
Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)
Place of Origin
Salem; Massachusetts; Essex; New England; United States; North America
Origin Notes
Inscription on back mentions Salem (possibly Massachusetts).
Date
1814
Mark/Signature/Inscription/Label
Type: Inscription
Location: Backboard, lower right corner
Inscription: "Barton/ Salem 1814"
Mark/Signature: Yes
Subject(s)
- Animals
Materials
- Shell (mollusk)
- Mahogany
- Glass
- Sand
- Stain
- Paint
Techniques
- Hand colored
- Shellwork
- Painted
Dimensions (inches)
10.4 (H) x 10.5 (W) x 2 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
26.5 (H) x 26.7 (W) x 5.2 (D)
Measurement Notes
Measurements are of box. H at left. W at bottom. D at upper left.