Property from an Important American Collection
A Fossil Palm Frond with Two Fish
No reserve
Lot Closed
December 3, 07:31 PM GMT
Estimate
18,000 - 25,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
A Fossil Palm Frond with Two Fish
Sabalites sp., Knightia eocaena, Priscacara liops
Early Eocene (approx. 50 million years ago)
Green River Formation, Lincoln County, Wyoming, United States
This natural fossil mural is framed in wood and measures 67½ by 49 by 3 inches (171.5 x 124.5 x 7.6 cm). 153 pounds (69.4 kg).
This specimen exhibits multiple large, fully-fanned frond segments and two well-preserved fish, Priscacara and Knightia.
Because their thin and delicate leaves are prone to rapid decomposition, palms rarely fossilize. As a result, large, intact specimens are exceptionally rare and highly prized. Adding to the science, the history, and the aesthetic of this natural fossil mural are two extinct fish, Priscacara and Knightia, preserved forever swimming thru the palms. Priscacara is a type of temperate bass, with Knightia representing a close cousin of herring and sardines. This fish pair—coupled with multiple fully opened palm fronds—capture a beautiful snapshot of an ancient American ecosystem.
PROVENANCE:
Phillips Auction New York, May 17, 1998 (lot 168)
Private Florida collection from 1998 until present