A study of colonialism and art that examines the intersection of visual culture and political power in late-eighteenth-century British painting. Focusing on paintings from British America, West Indies, and India, it investigates the role of art in creating and maintaining imperial ideologies and practices - and resisting and complicating them.
The narrative centers on Margaret Cavendish Bentinck, the 2nd Duchess of Portland, who amassed the largest shell collection of her time, reflecting her passion for natural history. The book explores the intricate dynamics of global natural resource circulation and the commodification of nature through her collection. It highlights the roles of sailors, naturalists, and dealers in the collection's journey, while also delving into Enlightenment-era scientific expeditions and visual culture. Richly illustrated, it captures the essence of this fascinating period in history.