Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life
1594
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1594
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a circle of odd sea creatures and shells. There are three lumpy, furry-looking animals with tufts on top, some spiky shells, and tiny bugs. The colors are soft—pinks, browns, and greens—with gold paint outlining the circle. The title at the top means "purple next to purple must be divided," hinting these might be murex snails, once used for dye. The tiny labels (like "15") mark each creature, like a science notebook. Try looking up watercolor, glazing to see how artists built up colors like this.
