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.
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.
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
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.