HUELLA INMORTAL | 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘺𝘹 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘪 – 𝘏𝘺𝘱𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘪

HUELLA INMORTAL

Footprints are one of the most particular and fascinating fossil finds. If the fact that a dead organism fossilizes remaining thus crystallized over time is a truly fascinating concept, the fact that it can fossilize even an extremely ephemeral element such as a footprint is perhaps even more astounding.

The protagonist of this painting is in fact the footprint of Baryonyx in the foreground, a trace like those fossil spinosaurids (probably Baryonyx) that were found in the fossil field of “Castrillo de la Reina” in Spain.

On this moonlit night studded with millions of stars, some species typical of the area gathered on the beach.

A couple of Baryonyx are walking along the seashore observing perplexed and curious a phenomenon of bioluminescent blooming of plankton (Noctiluca), which is taking place in the sea that very night.

Taking advantage of the distraction of the two theropods, an Arcanosaur, a varanoid, gets bold and scours the beach area closest to the two spinosaurids in search of food.

In the background, a group of iguanodons (Hypselospinus) enjoy the cool night sea while taking a walk on the coast.

Who knows if their footprints will crystallize over time? Who knows if their footprints will become immortal?

PERIOD: Lower Cretaceous (Barremian-Aptian, ~125 mya)
FORMATION: Castrillo de la Reina Formation
LOCATION: Spain

FAUNA:
– Baryonyx (Baryonyx walkeri)
– Hypselospinus (Hypselospinus fittoni)
– Arcanosaurus (Arcanosaurus ibericus)

FLORA:
– Frenelopsis sp.
– Noctiluca (Noctiluca scintillans) (hypothetical)

ILLUSTRATION INFORMATION

Year: 2022

Client: Simone Zoccante / Diorama Nature

Software: Adobe Photoshop

Dimension (for Print): 280 x 200 cm @ 300 dpi

Dimension (in Pixel): 33403 x 23622 px