Description
Vintage handmade sailor's valentine style shell-art wall hanging featuring an image of Bette Midler as her iconic mermaid persona, Delores DeLago, wearing "The Fishtail,". The piece is set within a sculptural wood frame with extensive shell embellishment, dimensional floral shell motifs, and a "LOVE" cutout detail.
While traditional sailor's valentines were usually souvenirs from Barbados, this piece is a modern creative tribute that combines meticulous shell art with Midler's campy "Divine Miss M" persona. The result is an unusual and highly decorative work that blends coastal folk art, theatrical pop culture, and Palm Beach/Hollywood Regency sensibilities.
Handmade vintage construction with layered natural shellwork throughout. Presents beautifully from the front, with age and character visible on the reverse consistent with handmade vintage wall decor.
A highly unusual statement piece for a gallery wall, powder room, dressing area, beach house, or maximalist interior.
DIMENSIONS
Height: 15 in.
Width: 12 in.
Depth: 1.25 in.
STYLE
Coastal
Hollywood Regency
Palm Beach
Folk Art
Kitsch
MATERIALS
Wood
Natural Seashells
Paper Print
Mixed Media
CONDITION
Good vintage condition. Age-appropriate wear to the glitter consistent with handmade construction. Shells remain intact and secure. Wall-ready with hanging wire on reverse. Lightweight and suitable for standard wall mounting.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good vintage condition. Age-appropriate wear to the glitter consistent with handmade construction. Shells remain intact and secure. Wall-ready with hanging wire on reverse. Lightweight and suitable for standard wall mounting.
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Pine, Shell
Details:
Country of Origin: United States
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
While traditional sailor's valentines were usually souvenirs from Barbados, this piece is a modern creative tribute that combines meticulous shell art with Midler's campy "Divine Miss M" persona. The result is an unusual and highly decorative work that blends coastal folk art, theatrical pop culture, and Palm Beach/Hollywood Regency sensibilities.
Handmade vintage construction with layered natural shellwork throughout. Presents beautifully from the front, with age and character visible on the reverse consistent with handmade vintage wall decor.
A highly unusual statement piece for a gallery wall, powder room, dressing area, beach house, or maximalist interior.
DIMENSIONS
Height: 15 in.
Width: 12 in.
Depth: 1.25 in.
STYLE
Coastal
Hollywood Regency
Palm Beach
Folk Art
Kitsch
MATERIALS
Wood
Natural Seashells
Paper Print
Mixed Media
CONDITION
Good vintage condition. Age-appropriate wear to the glitter consistent with handmade construction. Shells remain intact and secure. Wall-ready with hanging wire on reverse. Lightweight and suitable for standard wall mounting.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good vintage condition. Age-appropriate wear to the glitter consistent with handmade construction. Shells remain intact and secure. Wall-ready with hanging wire on reverse. Lightweight and suitable for standard wall mounting.
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Pine, Shell
Details:
Country of Origin: United States
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good vintage condition. Age-appropriate wear to the glitter consistent with handmade construction. Shells remain intact and secure. Wall-ready with hanging wire on reverse. Lightweight and suitable for standard wall mounting.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
15 x 12 x 1.25 in
Vintage Sailor's Valentine Shell Art Wall Hanging Featuring Bette Midler as Delores DeLago
Estimate $70-$340
Starting Bid
$35
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October Art & Design Showcase
Oct 27, 2026, 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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