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1862 Megalosaurus reconstruction
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1862 Megalosaurus reconstruction
1862 Megalosaurus wallchart after Waterhouse Hawkins with Pterosaurs in background. One of six wall charts entitled " Waterhouse Hawkinss Diagrams of the Extinct Animals" for the Department of Science and Art. Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins attempted to scientifically reconstruct dinosaurs for the Crystal Palace 1852-55. He was helped by Richard Owen, the man who named the group. At this time there were few remains, so the endeavor was speculative. Megalosaurus was the first dinosaur described by Buckland in 1824. Owen supposed the giant reptiles appearance was between a crocodile and a pachyderm. Though innacurate, Waterhouse Hawkins reconstruction fired the publics imagination. It would be only much later that Megalosaurs would appear as the nimble bipedal predator we know today
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6319597
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Buckland Crystal Palace Cuvier Dinosaur Educational Fossil Mantell Megalosaurus Owen Pterodactyle Pterosaur Reconstruction Restoration Sydenham
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This print showcases the remarkable 1862 Megalosaurus reconstruction, a masterpiece by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins. Created for the Crystal Palace in 1852-55, this wallchart is part of a series titled "Waterhouse Hawkinss Diagrams of the Extinct Animals" commissioned by the Department of Science and Art. Working alongside Richard Owen, who coined the term "dinosaur". Hawkins embarked on an ambitious mission to scientifically reconstruct these ancient creatures despite limited remains. Megalosaurus, first described by Buckland in 1824, was envisioned by Owen as a hybrid between a crocodile and a pachyderm—a notion that later proved inaccurate. However, it was Waterhouse Hawkins' vivid reconstruction that truly captured the public's imagination at that time. This artwork served as an educational tool and popularized science among people from all walks of life. In this print, we see the magnificent Megalosaurus restoration adorned with Pterosaurs soaring gracefully in the background. The attention to detail and artistic skill displayed here is awe-inspiring. It is important to note that while this image represents historical scientific speculation rather than current knowledge about Megalosaurs as nimble bipedal predators, it still holds immense value in understanding our evolving understanding of prehistoric life. Paul D. Stewart's photograph beautifully captures not only this extraordinary piece but also its significance within paleontological history. With references to influential figures such as Cuvier and Mantell along with keywords like fossil discovery and wall chart illustration, this image serves as both an artistic marvel and a testament to humanity's curiosity about our planet's past inhabitants.
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