Nautilus Cup 1594 Utrecht Dutch Netherlands ( mounted in silver, gilt and chased; cup has broad band round lip, engraved on outside with sea-monsters; supported at sides by two bands, representing tritons holding dolphins; front with band formed of mask of Pan; back with fish, from which issue waves supporting Neptune on horseback holding spear; stem in form of figure of Neptune riding a sea-monster and holding a trident and conch; foot embossed wit )
Nautilus shells were popular items in the Renaissance cabinet of curiosities and were often mounted by goldsmiths on a thin stem to make extravagant The nautilus, a mollusk related to the squid, stopped evolving millions of years ago. It is literally a living fossil, and its shell was considered one of nature’s wonders.
Size: 3344px × 5173px
Photo credit: © Peter Horree / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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