These are pictures that I took of Anna Maria de'Medici's Baroque Pearl Figurines in the Argente wing of Florences Pitti Palace last spring. 

Baroque Pearl figurines were popular in the 16th century. Goldsmiths would work irregular shapes of pearls into figures as a part of the body. Artists created mermaids, mermen, sea beasts, dragons, and other animals out of unique pearl shapes, gold and gems.

Anna Maria de'Medici had the largest collection of these figurines.  The Italian goldsmith, Benvenuto Cellini created many of these works of art for the Medici family.

You have to marvel at the wit and master work in these tiny sculptures.