Gogotte Fontainebleau, France H. 80 cm - L. 38... Lot 39

Gogotte Fontainebleau, France H. 80 cm - L. 38 cm - P. 25 cm Natural sand concretion called "Gogotte" by geologists, formed within the geological formation of the "Sables de Fontainebleau" dated about 30 million years ago. Formed of tiny grains of quartz cemented by infiltrations of water loaded with calcium carbonate, the gogottes have supernatural forms. They fascinated Louis XIV who used them to decorate the gardens at Versailles, notably the Enceladus basin built between 1675 and 1678, the Three Fountains between 1677 and 1679 and the Ballroom between 1680 and 1685. They were much appreciated by the king, who mentioned them in his manuscript guide to the gardens in 1702-1704. In the 20th century, they inspired the French Surrealists as well as the sculptor Henry Moore, who owned a copy. They can be seen at the Smithonian Institute in Washington and the Natural History Museum in London. Gogotte Fontainebleau, France H. 31.5 in - W. 15 in