Study of a shell of a tortoise, Jacques de Gheyn (III) (attributed to), c. 1616
pen and brown ink, with opaque white, on light brown cartridge paper; framing line in graphite, h 381mm × w 227mm Catalogue entry
At the close of the 16th century, artists became increasingly interested in nature. Jacques de Gheyn’s circle of friends included several scientists. His expertise and excellent observational skills enabled him to portray plants and animals with meticulous accuracy. De Gheyn drew this picture of a tortoise shell from above and the side as a scientist would, observing his subject from different angles.
