Lot 28
  • 28

Remarquable fossile de Lys de Mer Seirocrinus Subangularis. Famille des Crinoidea, Bas jurassique, formation Lias Epsilon II3, Holzmaden, Allemagne du sud

Estimate
55,000 - 70,000 EUR
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Description

  • Matrice : 210 x 110 cm ; lys de mer : 160 cm ; larg. du calice : 51 cm
  • 82,7 x 43,3 in (matrix) ; 63 in (seelily) ; 20,1 in (chalice)
Seirocrinus subangularis fait scientifiquement parti de la classe des Echinodermes dont le nom signifie " à peau épineuse" en grec lesquels forment un groupe très ancien d'animaux marins dont les premières traces fossiles remontent au Cambrien. Il compte sept mille espèces vivant actuellement dont les représentants les plus connus sont les oursins, treize mille autres espèces qui le constituaient aussi ont disparu. D'aspect surnaturel voire surréaliste, ils possèdent un certain nombre de caractéristiques uniques dans le monde animal dont une symétrie pentaradiée et la présence d'un système aquifère.



Malgré son nom et son aspect de fleur, il ne s'agit donc aucunement d'une plante mais d'un animal de mer "tentaculaire". L'animal se déploie ainsi en couronne, laquelle contient un organe filtrant qui lui permettait de capturer du plancton de mer et de se nourrir ainsi. Les lys de mer ont vécu soit rattachés à des bois dérivant au sein de colonies, soit à l'instar de ce splendide spécimen, comme un animal isolé dérivant librement dans l'océan. On distingue d'ailleurs parfaitement "au pied" du lys la masse de bois auquel il se rattachait, fossilisé en même temps que lui.



La teinte laquée noire du fossile et son élégante et sobre apparition sur son panneau de pierre hausse cette évocation préhistorique au niveau d'une importante oeuvre d'art naturelle moderne. Ce spécimen, outre ses dimensions remarquables, sa beauté incontournable, dispose aussi d'une conservation absolument remarquable.



The Seirocrinus subangularis is scientifically part of the Echinoderm class, which in Greek means "spikey skin." It is a very ancient marine animal group; its first fossils appeared around the Cambian period. There are about 7,000 species living today, the most famous being the sea urchin, and 13,000 other species which have disappeared.



With a supernatural almost surreal look, they bear certain unique characteristics in the animal world, such as a pentaradiant symmetry and an aquifer system.



Despite its name and flowery shape, it is far from being a plant. Rather, it is a "tentacular" sea animal. It expands into a crown shape in order to feed through a filtering organe which captures plankton. Sea lilies lived attached to a drifting piece of wood amidst colonies or, following the example of this magnificent specimen, as an isolated animal drifting freely in the ocean. We notice at the bottom of the lily the chunk of wood to which it attached itself, fossilzed at the same time.



The fossil's black tint and its elegant and sober presentation against the stone panel heightens the prehistoric evocation, as an important natural modern work of art. This specimen, aside from its remarkable size and its uncomparable beauty, is absolutely exceptionally preserved.



 

Exhibited

Un fossile similaire est au Musée de la carrière Rohrbach Zement, Dotterhausen, Allemagne

Condition

The sea lily fossil is harmoniously and naturally spread on his gangue. His position is very esthetical and his tentacles form a perfect air cell. The astonish preservation of this piece is as recognizable on the picture in the catalogue as in real. We are immediately seduced by the dimensions and the beauty of the sea lily fossil, which his very unique and peculiar. During my experience of twenty years as an expert, I rarely felt this impression for a fossil specimen. On a technical plan, this natural work of art doesn't have any restorations. The ammonite that we can see on the left part of the plate is native. This lot is more than a fossil, we can talk about a real masterpiece.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

H. Hess, W. Ausich Brett, M.J Simms-Fossils Crinoïds-Cambridge.