Whale Inner Ear Bone

Whale's internal ear bone, XIXth century

These objects were particularly collected during the XVIIth century and they garnished curiosity cabinets. These pieces are caracteristic of the auricular style or "kwabstijl" that developed in Holland circa 1620. Each ear profile takes the form of a different grotesque face. It inspired the sculptor Arent van Bolten who created grotesques beings in bronze.