In the 17th century, exotic shells were highly sought after collectibles; and, like all valuable objects, they were often painted. Balthasar van der Ast was one of the most important painters of shell still lifes in the 17th century. Shells appear in at least 125 of his more than 200 known works. His ‘actual’ shell paintings make up only a small part of his oeuvre. Of the ten or so paintings that we know Still-life with shells and autumn crocus is one of the smallest.

This artwork belongs to the Netherlands Art Property Collection (NK Collection). The NK Collection consists of art objects that were retrieved from Germany by the Allies after World War II and subsequently came under the guardianship of the Dutch State. The collection contains objects that may have been looted, confiscated or forcibly sold between 1933 and 1945. More information can be found at wo2.collectienederland.nl. If you have any information about this artwork, please contact restitutie@cultureelerfgoed.nl. This may assist us in our search for the rightful owners.