Ichthyosaur Fossil Stenopterygius sp. Lower Jurassic Posidonienschiefer Formation Holzmaden,...

Ichthyosaur Fossil Stenopterygius sp. Lower Jurassic Posidonienschiefer Formation Holzmaden, Bavaria, Germany The Posidonia Shale, more commonly referred to as the "Holzmaden Shale," which has produced this top-quality specimen, represents an iconic locality for significant Jurassic fossils, including marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs. This example of Stenopterygius out of the famous German deposits features a singular and impressive aquatic creature in a rectangular block of dark sedimentary matrix with a "rainwater" texture and carved relief outline around the prehistoric "fish lizard" which measures some 38 inches (96.5 cm) in length. Typical of European preparation methods, the fossil material was likely removed from the matrix for restoration and then reinstalled into the background rock. The preservation of the bony skeleton is great, with a high degree of detail. The finished product has rounded edges, with a solid banding that encircles the periphery of the block. While rather substantial in size, one advantage of the piece is that the overall dimensions are rather manageable in terms of this being easily handled, installed, and displayed. Brown bones contrast with the black rock to offer a visually striking appearance, and the mottled nature of the matrix provides an additional dynamic aspect to the presentation. The representation boasts pronounced vertebrae in high relief above the layered shale, and the elongated skeletal form is relatively complete. Overall Measurements: 48.00 x 24.00 x 1.00 inches (121.92 x 60.96 x 2.54 cm) HID09710052018 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved