NIKOLAUS CHRISTOPHER MATTHES | STILL LIFES OF EXOTIC SHELLS ON A MARBLE LEDGE

Nikolaus Christopher Matthes appears to have specialized in still lifes of exotic seashells, like the present painting. Shells were considered marvels that wealthy 17th and 18th-century collectors displayed in wunderkammern, or cabinets of curiosity. They also serve as memento mori because they once held a living animal, in addition to symbolizing Christ's empty tomb after His resurrection.

We are grateful to Eric Coatalem for suggesting the attribution to Matthes on the basis of photographs.