Gogotte - The Hand

A Gogotte Formation - The Hand Fontainbleau, France Oligocene Period Measurement Inc Stand. Gogottes are beautiful and beguiling mineral formations. They are rare and entirely natural result of calcium carbonate binding with extremely fine quartz grains. Each sculptural layer is a unique composition from the mineral-rich waters of Fontainebleau, northern France, with the shapes evoking clouds and dreamlike imagery. The mineralization process takes place over the course of approximately 30 million years, with every formation a uniquely shaped wonder. As a prime example of the blend between nature and art. Gogottes have an acclaimed reputation spanning centuries. As early as the late seventeenth century Louis XIV "the Sun King" of France (r. 1643-1715) was so enamoured by these formations that he ordered extensive excavations around Fontainebleau, in order to decorate his palace gardens. Gogottes still adorn the gardens at Versailles, and continue to enchant and delight visitors as they have for over 300 years. It is perhaps unsurprising that gogottes served as inspiration for artists well into the 20th century, they were particularly well received by impressionist and surrealist sculptors. In particular, the recumbent figures by Henry Moore. More recently, a large specimen was gifted to London's Natural History Museum, in honour of naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough's 90th birthday.
Dimensions: 42cm (H) x 21cm (W) x 14cm (D)