ABSTRACT SCULPTURE FROM OUTER SPACE — DRONINO METEORITE - photo 1
ABSTRACT SCULPTURE FROM OUTER SPACE — DRONINO METEORITE - photo 2
ABSTRACT SCULPTURE FROM OUTER SPACE — DRONINO METEORITE - photo 3

ABSTRACT SCULPTURE FROM OUTER SPACE — DRONINO METEORITE

Lot 28
23.02.2022 00:00UTC +00:00
Classic
Sold
$ 18 900
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 716413
Lot 28 | ABSTRACT SCULPTURE FROM OUTER SPACE — DRONINO METEORITE
Estimate value
$ 12 000 – 18 000
Dronino is a highly exotic meteorite; no other meteorite looks like this. The unique crenulated surface texture of this iron meteorite is the result of its unique chemical composition, the alkalinity of the soil into which it fell and the amount of water to which it was exposed for more than 1,000 years. While 90% of iron meteorites are members of established chemical groups, the other 10% are chemically unrelated to other specimens and are not part of any group. Dronino specimens belong to this exclusive “ungrouped” population of iron meteorites. Droninos were first discovered in 2000 by a mushroom hunter outside an ancient town founded in 1152. As nothing was ever written about what would have been an exceedingly memorable event of a fireball accompanied by smoke trails and sonic booms, it’s likely Dronino’s arrival occurred when the area was unpopulated. Given the high degree of terrestrial weathering (which is chiefly responsible for the unusual shapes of Dronino specimens), a descent to Earth more than a millennium ago can be confidently inferred. If this were cut, which should never be the case, the crystalline habit of the matrix would be similar to that seen in lot 38. Both the obverse and reverse of this meteorite enthrall. A naturally formed hole is perched at the upper left margin.

Blanketing this mesmerizing abstract form is a superb example of Dronino’s singular surface texture. This crenulated texture is present throughout. Hewn by forces both on and off Earth, with a patina ranging in hues from pewter to platinum, this highly sculptural conversation piece from the asteroid belt is accompanied by a custom armature.

Christie's would like to thank Dr. Alan E. Rubin at the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles for his assistance in preparing this catalogue.

191 x 211 x 79mm (7.5 x 8.33 x 3 in.) and 7.60 kg (16.75 lbs)


Art style:Aestheticism
Category:Meteorite
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
09.02.2022 – 23.02.2022
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
4FQ.AYGKAGLUQ@FO3G@
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