Found Objects

One of our readers, Robert, left an amusing comment on Will's cool puzzle post this morning, reminding us that we needed to keep the answers of our quizzes out of our jpegs. In addition to making me smile, the comment gave me an idea for a new feature called "Found Objects," which I'll try out here.
The idea is pretty simple: I'll be posting some sort of visual representation of an object, equation, theory or idea that inspired or made its way into a book, film, song, poem, or painting. Your job is to name it and tell us where it's found.
Today's visual, found below, is referenced in a couple different novels. Can you name it, and at least one of the works I'm referring to?