This set of 11 works on shell by Spanish soldier and artist José Taviel de Andrade is part of a unique form of art which emerged in the Philippines in the 19th century, reflecting the eclectic nature of artistic practice during this period. Painting on shell, specifically on mother-of-pearl or silver-lip pinctada, likely developed as a souvenir for foreigners, much like tipos del pais (types of the country). This form of art typically featured paintings of the Philippine countryside or seaside on large, iridescent shells, which the Philippines is particularly renowned for having in abundance. This made it a singular souvenir item as the painting’s support directly reflected a distinct identity of the Philippines as a then-Spanish colony. The set is unusual for its large number of 11 pieces as this form of art usually comes in pairs (using the two sides of a shell). Like other paintings on shells from this period, they show rural and seaside scenes. Five of them include an indio (Philippine native) at work. Taviel de Andrade uses a light palette of greens and yellows to depict the freshness of the tropics, complemented by the iridescent support.
