Hermit Shell Mouse on top of Scallop Shell from Rev. Ross McClellan

Object/Artifact

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St. Joseph Museums

The image features a whimsical sculpture crafted from seashells, creatively assembled to resemble a mouse. The body of the mouse is made from a spiraled, brown and white shell with pointed features mimicking a snout, while two smaller, evenly shaped, light-colored shells serve as ears, perched atop the head. This shell arrangement effectively captures the essence of a mouse's playful expression, further enhanced by the addition of small, beady, black eyes affixed just above the snout. The mouse rests on a radial seashell with pinkish hues, creating a visual base that contrasts with and complements the overall piece. The sculpture is set against a textured, off-white background, which highlights the intricacies and natural patterns of the shells, drawing attention to their luster and coloration. This inventive use of natural materials demonstrates a fusion of art and nature, showcasing both the artist’s imaginative approach and the inherent beauty of seashells.

The image features a whimsical sculpture crafted from seashells, creatively assembled to resemble a mouse. The body of the mouse is made from a spiraled, brown and white shell with pointed features mimicking a snout, while two smaller, evenly shaped, light-colored shells serve as ears, perched atop the head. This shell arrangement effectively captures the essence of a mouse's playful expression, further enhanced by the addition of small, beady, black eyes affixed just above the snout. The mouse rests on a radial seashell with pinkish hues, creating a visual base that contrasts with and complements the overall piece. The sculpture is set against a textured, off-white background, which highlights the intricacies and natural patterns of the shells, drawing attention to their luster and coloration. This inventive use of natural materials demonstrates a fusion of art and nature, showcasing both the artist’s imaginative approach and the inherent beauty of seashells.

Name/Title

Hermit Shell Mouse on top of Scallop Shell from Rev. Ross McClellan

Entry/Object ID

2012.3.1825

Description

A mouse made from a white and brown Hermit crab Shell with googly eyes sitting on top of a pink Scallop Shell. From a collection of dolls by Reverend C. Ross McClellan containing approximately 400 mice of varying sizes, shapes, and styles, from the Doll Museum Collection.