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1867 Figuier Iguanodon and Megalosaurus
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1867 Figuier Iguanodon and Megalosaurus
Art by Riou in the revised English 1867 translation of Louis Figuiers " Earth before the Deluge" 1863. The figure shows impressions after the collaboration between the scientist Richard Owen and the artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins. The iguanodon (prey left) has the thumbspike wrongly placed on its nose. Both it and Megalosaurus (predator right) have the rhino like bodies that Owen envisaged. Gideon Mantell had suspected smaller front limbs but Owen igonored him. Both the position of the spike and the gait was confirmed by the spectacular Bernissart finds in Belgium 1878. it would take the discovery of the first reasonably complete Hadrosaur skeleton in the USA (1858, Leidy description 1864) to change conceptions of the form of dinosaurs and establish their often bipedal gait. Even so it would be a long time before popular publications made the connection or the correction
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6317539
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Black And White Buckland Cretaceous Dinosaur Fight Iguanodon Jurassic Mantell Megalosaur Megalosaurus Owen Popular Science Predation Predator Prey Reconstruction Vintage Mono Chrome
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This vintage illustration, titled "1867 Figuier Iguanodon and Megalosaurus" captures a pivotal moment in the history of paleontology. Created by artist Riou for the revised English translation of Louis Figuiers' "Earth before the Deluge" in 1867, this artwork showcases the collaboration between scientist Richard Owen and artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins. Intriguingly, this depiction reveals some misconceptions prevalent during that time. The iguanodon, positioned on the left as prey, features a peculiar thumbspike incorrectly placed on its nose. Both it and the megalosaurus on the right exhibit rhino-like bodies envisioned by Owen. Notably, Gideon Mantell had previously suggested smaller front limbs for iguanodons, but Owen chose to disregard his findings. It wasn't until later discoveries confirmed these inaccuracies. In 1878, remarkable fossil finds in Bernissart, Belgium validated both the positioning of spikes and gait depicted here. However, it would take another significant discovery –the first reasonably complete Hadrosaur skeleton found in the USA– to revolutionize our understanding of dinosaur forms and establish their often bipedal locomotion. Despite these advancements within scientific circles, popular publications took quite some time to make these connections or corrections known to wider audiences. This monochrome reconstruction serves as a testament to how knowledge evolves over time within fields like paleontology. Paul D. Stewart's skillful reproduction ensures that this historic image continues to captivate enthusiasts with its rich historical context and scientific significance.
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