SEBA'S SHELLFISH AND SNAKES

Albert Seba (1665 – 1736) was a collector of natural curiosities who had become wealthy in the service of the Dutch East India Company.

Through extensive travel, Seba collected thousands of new and exotic examples of Natural History. His collection became such a famous attraction that it was bought by Peter The Great for the vast sum of 15,000 guilders in 1717. However, with this money Seba soon began to assemble an even greater collection, which was painted and engraved by major artists of the time.

His second collection was cataloged in 449 hand colored plates that were issued from 1734 through 1765 and were popularly known as "Seba's Cabinet". It was an ambitious project to catalog all known natural species in the world.

Although the subjects may appear "unusual", in formal settings with the correct frame, Seba's subjects will give a highly sophisticated aura to the room.