Lot 54G
Europe, France, Upper Miocene, ca. 11.6 to 5.3 million years ago. This is a gorgeous and fascinating fossil specimen that would be impressive in any interior setting as an architectural design accent. These giant prehistoric sea scallops (Pecten sp.) are shown in their natural position as they died millions of years ago. Accompanying them are dozens of baby scallops. Size: 10" W x 17" H (25.4 cm x 43.2 cm)
The surrounding host rock has been painstakingly removed to reveal an extremely dramatic three-dimensional fossil cluster of stunningly well-preserved giant sea scallops. The position of all the shells is 100% natural as it was buried nearly 5 to 10 million years ago. This was a time on the Earth when the ocean was home to massive prehistoric sharks such as the enormous Megalodon shark which grew to a size larger than a touring bus. The photos cannot convey the true visual impact this piece makes. Some of the shells are projecting way out from the front surface. To see this magnificent specimen in person is a real treat. This is one of the most attractive interior design specimens and because it is so 3D in appearance, it can be appreciated from a multitude of angles in a room.
The Pecten, or scallop, is a member of the bivalve group which are mollusks made up of two half shells. The valves are attached by a hinge ligament and articulate open and close by two muscles attached on the inside of the shells. Bivalves are filter-feeders and pump water inside their bodies to strain out phytoplankton and other small organisms for food. Bivalves generally have limited locomotion and possess a foot but mainly live attached to some type of substrate or burrow in the underwater sand. Scallops prefer clean, sandy bottoms in shallow water. They rest on the ocean floor and have a bizarre ability to swim by rapidly opening and closing their shells fluttering themselves through the water.
Provenance: Purchased from a French collection in 2013
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.
#120939
- Condition: Minor repair but no fabrication
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
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 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |