3D model of a Snailrider (NHMW-ZOO-MO-0081100-ETH-002)

3D model of the figurine “Schneckenreiter” made out of porcelain in the Jugendstil style from the collection of Karl Uetz. Karl Uetz (1914–1998), Prof. h.c., was a private collector and owner of a large mollusc collection. In addition to thousands of snail and mussel shells, the private collection also contains approximately 200 art and everyday objects as well as ethnographic objects. The collection was purchased by the NHM in 1974 and digitised in 2025.

Little putto is riding on a land snail, holding on to its two antennae. This figurine belongs to the period of Art Noveau. A snail as a mount is often seen as an allegory of slowness, which, with deceleration, patience and serenity, enables wonder at life. The snail appears to be a stylised land snail of the genus Cepaea, correctly depicted with two pairs of antennae. The longer antennae are held by the cherub like reins.