Gogottes: Sculptural Inspirations

Gogottes are naturally occurring sandstone concretions found primarily in the Fontainebleau region of France. Explore the history of gogottes in art and view our latest collection of gogottes, all accompanied by bespoke display stands.

A closer look at Gogotte’s silica sand texture

How are they formed?

Gogottes are formed from quartz crystals and calcium carbonate. Of natural form, the gogotte is produced when superheated water extrudes through crevices into a basin of extremely fine white silica sand. The silica then cements the sand together to form the gogotte’s fluid lines, creating natural sculptures. They are found in only one place in the world; Fontainebleau, France.

Cultural significance

Throughout history, gogottes have served as great influencers for both collectors and artists. Notably, Surrealists Salvador Dali and Max Ernst both took influence from gogottes fluid ‘water-like’ shapes in their work.

However, most famously, abstract sculptors Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore were captured by the mysterious form of gogottes and used similar graceful curves in their own work. Moore even had a personal collection of gogottes.

Henry Moore’s ‘Two Large Forms’
Image courtesy of New York Times

Barbara Hepworth creating ‘Image II’
Image courtesy of The Hepworth Wakefield

Image courtesy of Fatima Saysell

French King Louis XIV was so seduced by them, that he had numerous specimens in the gardens at the Palace of Versailles, and a great number of the ornately rounded, scrolling formations can be found surrounding the mysterious grove of the Three Fountains (designed by Le Nôtre in 1677). The original fountain was constructed in 1677 by French landscape architect André Le Nôtre. The Grove was however destroyed during Louis XVI's reign and was then rebuilt in 2004, with the gogottes reappearing in all their natural glory

Collectability

Image courtesy of Christie’s

Throughout the past few years, gogotte’s worldwide popularity has grown significantly with regular impressive auction results. Most recently, 8 gogotte formations were sold as part of Sotheby’s annual Natural History auction with half smashing their auction estimates.

In 2018, the record was set for the most expensive gogotte sold at auction at Christie’s with this 60cm high formation (seen left) hammering for £55,000, doubling its pre-auction estimate of £15,000 - 25,000. The lot was part of a collection of 7 gogottes within the auction, all of which overtook their pre-auction estimate.

New Gogotte Formations Now Available

Athena

30 million years old
55 x 32 x 22 cm
23.45 kg
Fontainebleau, France
£9,000

Eruption

30 million years old
30 x 48 x 12 cm
17.5 kg
Fontainebleau, France
£4,750

Poseidon

30 million years old
26 x 51 x 12 cm
18.45 kg
Fontainebleau, France
£4,500

Whitecap

30 million years old
40 x 39 x 16 cm
30.15 kg
Fontainebleau, France
£3,750

Wren

30 million years old
21 x 22 x 12 cm
5.45 kg
Fontainebleau, France
£1,400

All gogottes featured are now available to purchase from Extraordinary Objects. View our full gogotte collection by clicking below, and please get in touch with any inquiries or questions.