Pearls from oysters. 17th-century artwork showing the origin of pearls from oysters. An oyster, opened to show the pearls within, is at lower right, w

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Pearls from oysters. 17th-century artwork showing the origin of pearls from oysters. An oyster, opened to show the pearls within, is at lower right, with the Sun and rain over the sea in the background. Many theories were proposed to explain the formation of pearls. It was not until the early 20th century that it was fully understood that a pearl forms when an oyster secretes layers of nacre to surround an irritant. This artwork is the printer's device from the title page of 'Sphaera mundi' (1635) by Italian Jesuit mathematician and astronomer Giuseppe Biancani (1566-1624). The Latin motto (Gratia Dei Mecum) translates as 'The grace of God be with me'.

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Size: 5017px × 3839px
Photo credit: © MIDDLE TEMPLE LIBRARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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