Visions of Lost Worlds: The Paleo Art of Jay Matternes

by Matthew T. Carrano and Kirk R. Johnson

Jay Matternes (Illustrator)

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Book cover for Visions of Lost Worlds

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A lavish showcase of paleoartist Jay Matternes's spectacular murals and sketches

For half a century, the artwork of Jay Matternes adorned the fossil halls of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. These treasured Matternes murals documenting mammal evolution over the past 56 million years and dioramas showing dinosaurs from the Mesozoic Era are significant works of one of the most influential paleoartists in history. Simultaneously epic in size and scope and minutely detailed, they also provide a window into the study and interpretation of vertebrate paleontology and paleoecology.

Visions of Lost Worlds presents these unparalleled works of art, and also includes the sketches and drawings Matternes prepared as he planned the murals. Known for his technical genius and eye for detail, Matternes sketched from skeletons in museum collections and added muscle, skin, and fur to bring mammals and dinosaurs from prehistory to vivid life. This book offers a close look at these works of art, a peek inside the artist's process, and an examination of the works' impact and legacy.
  • ISBN10 1588346676
  • ISBN13 9781588346674
  • Publish Date 22 October 2019
  • Publish Status Active
  • Publish Country US
  • Imprint Smithsonian Books