Lot 1A
North America, United States, Wyoming, Green River Formation, Eocene Epoch, ca. 53.5 to 48.5 million years ago. A striking fossil panel featuring preserved palm fronds inlaid with three fish - likely Mioplosus labracoides and Knightia eocaena - both classic species from the Green River Formation. The composition creates a natural 'aquarium' effect, as if the fish are swimming amidst the radiating fronds. Each fossil fish is carefully excavated and recessed into the surface, inlaid over the matrix of the palm frond. The stone slab is securely mounted on a custom wooden backing and comes with metal hardware for wall display. Size: 29" L x 1.2" W x 35" H (73.7 cm x 3 cm x 88.9 cm)
The sediment from the Green River Formation was deposited over a 5-million-year span, the layers of flora and fauna may not have fossilized at the same time - but make for interesting composites. The Eocene world was the warmest of the Cenozoic (our current era), with an average mean temperature around 86 F (30 C) (for comparison, the average mean temperature in the last seventy years is around 58 F (14 C). Although the map of the Earth's surface would have been very recognizable to us today, with most of the continents in place and India moving close to its current position, there were basically no ice caps and huge swaths of the landscape were covered with water, including vast inland seas. This impressive aquarium like arrangement creates a rare scene from a prehistoric environment that was drastically different than what the semi-arid Wyoming landscape of today!
Provenance: private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#197674
- Condition: Professionally prepared, fish is inlaid into the surface. Areas of restoration and pigment touchup: upper right has infill to the stone matrix between fronds. Lower left around the fish has infill to palm and matrix. Mounted on a wooden board backing. Great preservation to fish and palm. Comes with metal hardware for mounting on a wall.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 + | $500 |