Multi-Fish Triptych Mural
Early Eocene Epoch (approx. 52-48 million years ago), Green River Formation, Lincoln Co., Wyoming
No reserve
Auction Closed
July 16, 06:46 PM GMT
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Multi-Fish Triptych Mural
Notogoneus osculus, Diplomystus dentatus, Cockerellites liops, and Knightia eocaena
Early Eocene Epoch (approx. 52-48 million years ago)
Green River Formation, Lincoln Co., Wyoming
Each panel measures 54 x 24 x 2½ inches (137.2 x 61 x 6.4 cm), together 54 x 72 x 2½ inches (137.2 x 182.9 x 6.4 cm). Three panels together weigh 222 pounds (100.7 kg).
Three separate fossil fish mosaic murals assembled on a large natural slab of tan and gray Green River limestone matrix. Largest fish (Notogoneus osculus) is uncommon and measures 19¾ inches (50.2 cm) in length. Each mural is backed in wood with finished beveled edges for wall hanging.
50 million years ago, the Green River Formation comprised an area of more than 25,000 square miles (65,000 sq. km) of interconnected subtropical lakes spread across the current states of Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. Today, the region of the Green River Formation known as "Fossil Lake" boasts some of the most abundant and well-preserved freshwater fossils anywhere in the world.
Highlights of this three-panel fossil triptych include Notogoneus osculus, an uncommon fossil and one of the only bottom feeders — alongside the two known stingray species — from the Green River Formation; a few well-preserved examples of the large surface feeder Diplomystus dentatus, characterized by its distinctive upturned mouth and V-shaped tail; the temperate bass Cockerellites liops; and Knightia eocaena, an extinct relative of the herring upon which Diplomystus would have predated.