Seashell Boat with Infant Sea Nymphs Drawn by a Hippocamp and Dolphins c. 1657

This is a 16th-century relief carving, thought to be made in the Netherlands, out of a single piece of walrus ivory. Notice how the Meester van de Sebastiaansmartyriën, or Master of the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, has taken full advantage of the material. Ivory is dense, strong, and fine-grained, which allows for intricate details. It also has a natural warmth that comes alive under light. To carve it, the artist would have used specialized tools like chisels, gouges, and gravers, carefully removing material to reveal the scene. The subject matter is classical and allegorical, but the material speaks to trade routes and global resources. Ivory was a luxury commodity, connecting Europe to the Arctic, and the artist’s virtuosity made it all the more valuable. When you look at art, it’s easy to get caught up in the image. But considering the material and the making helps us to appreciate the social context, and the immense labor involved in the production process.