Nautilus shells have a rich art historical background, particularly in the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age, where they were prized as natural wonders and ornate objects, blurring the lines between nature and art. Nautilus shells were highly sought-after imports, transformed by skilled artisans into elaborate pieces for display in cabinets of curiosity. Furthermore shells were decorated. Artisans, such as those in the Bellekin family, ornamented the shells with floral and insect motifs, showcasing their mastery and adding to the shell's value as a decorative art object.These decorated shells were considered "liminal objects," existing at the intersection of naturalia (natural objects) and artificialia (man-made objects), a quality that increased their appeal.