Gogottes: Sculptural Inspirations
Gogottes are naturally occurring sandstone concretions found in the Fontainebleau region of France. Explore the history of these extraordinary minerals in art and culture and view our latest collection.
How are they formed?
Gogottes are formed from quartz crystals and calcium carbonate.
Of natural form, gogottes are created 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 gogottes, 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.
A gogotte at the Natural History Museum was donated in 2017 to honour David Attenborough’s 90th birthday. It remains on display in the ‘Lasting Impressions’ Gallery.
