- 3120
A GOGOTTE OLIGOCENE (30 MILLION YEARS OLD), FONTAINEBLEAU, FRANCE |
Estimate
35,000 - 55,000 HKD
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Description
- h. 28 cm, 11 in.
the irregular assemblage of sandstone with a greyish-white surface, amassed of soft rounded cascading layers, stand
Condition
The gogotte is in good condition. As visible in the catalogue photo there is light general surface wear.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
A gogotte is a mineral rarity with a natural shape, old from millions years. It is constituted of very small quartz fragments tied together with calcium carbonate. These strange formations from Fontainebleau in France, the very place where the Imperial Palace is located, which have inspired the surrealists, can also be admired today in the garden of the chateau de Versailles. Louis the Fourteen of France, also known as The Sun King, ordered to excavate similar gogottes to decorate his garden. These spiral formations, which remind a little bit the baroque style, have now find their original spot around the mysterious copse of the Trois Fontaines designed by Le Nôtre in 1677. An example of a sandstone concretion is exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution, the museum of natural history of Washington DC.