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For internal use only
On Display: House - Counting Room
Shellwork picture (Sailor's valentine)
1820-1860
Description
Often called a “Sailor’s Valentine” or a “Double Valentine”, framed shell work mosaic pictures such as this one were acquired as souvenirs brought “home again” as a memento of an Atlantic sea voyage. Similar colorful framed compositions with flowers, hearts, and compass roses were produced and sold in island ports in the British West Indies, particularly Barbados. Their intricate symmetrical designs are composed of small sea shells of various colors and shapes glued onto a backing.
Category
Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)
Place of Origin
Caribbean (West Indies); Barbados; North America
Materials
- Wood
- Glass
- Shell (mollusk)
- Paint
- Brass
- Cotton
- Paper
Museum Object Number
1969.1946
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
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Complete Details
Object Number
1969.1946
Object Name
Shellwork picture (Sailor's valentine)
Category
Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)
Place of Origin
Caribbean (West Indies); Barbados; North America
Origin Notes
Previously attributed to the United States, but more likely made for the tourist trade in the Britsh West Indies. [Updated by Ann Wagner 8/2017,]
Date
1820-1860
Subject(s)
- Maritime
- Scrimshaw
Materials
- Wood
- Glass
- Shell (mollusk)
- Paint
- Brass
- Cotton
- Paper
Techniques
- Painted
- Shellwork
Dimensions (inches)
9.5 (H) x 9.2 (W) x 2.9 (D) x 18.3 (L)
Dimensions (centimeters)
24.2 (H) x 23.3 (W) x 7.3 (D) x 46.4 (L)
Measurement Notes
OL (open): 18 1/4 inches. OL (closed): 9 1/8 inches.