Property from an Important American Collection
A Large Multi-Fish Fossil Mural
Lot Closed
December 3, 07:28 PM GMT
Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
A Large Multi-Fish Fossil Mural
Diplomystus dentatus, Phareodus encaustus, Mioplosus labracoides, Priscacara serrata, Knightia eocaena
Early Eocene (approx. 50 million years ago)
Green River Formation, Lincoln County, Wyoming, United States
58 by 47½ by 2½ inches (147.3 x 120.7 x 6.4 cm). 254 pounds (115.2 kg).
Each of this fossil's fully articulated skeletons display superb detail of bone structure and texture, showing no signs of microbial decay or damage caused by scavengers. Centered on this mural is a large Diplomystus dentatus.
50 million years ago, Wyoming's Green River Formation was comprised of 25,000 square miles (40,000 km) of interconnected subtropical lakes. Today the area is known as the "Fossil Lake", boasting some of the most abundant and well-preserved freshwater fossils anywhere in the world.
Highlights of this specimen include the large surface-feeder, Diplomystus dentatus, characterized by its distinctive upturned mouth bristling with teeth. Also featured is the carnivorous Phareodus encaustus, immediately identifiable by its long splayed pectoral fin and rows of sharp, piranha-like teeth.
Representing a moment forever trapped in time, this outstanding multi-fish fossil plate brings back to life a 50 million year old mortality event involving five of the best known and most sought after genera of fish from the Green River Formation. It has thus been described as a "paleontological masterpiece".
PROVENANCE:
Phillips Auction, New York, May 17, 1998 (lot 211)
Private Florida collection from 1998 until present