MATTHEW T. CARRANO is Curator of Dinosauria at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. He studies the evolutionary history, functional morphology, and ecology of dinosaurs. KIRK R. JOHNSON is the Sant Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. He has authored several books including Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway. JAY MATTERNES is a renowned paleoartist whose work is in the collections of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the American Museum of Natural History, and has also appeared in National Geographic, Time-Life Books, and more.
"These gorgeous depictions of life during different eras, covering
the evolution of dinosaurs and other creatures over the past more
than 50 million years, are entertaining and informative to look
through, bringing animals who lived long ago to 'life.' The murals
trace the evolution of different groups of mammals over time, and
the murals' huge size manages to both cover a large area and
include fine detail. Because these pieces of art were made several
decades ago, they also demonstrate how scientific knowledge and
understanding can change over time. [...] This artwork is so
beloved that those in charge deemed it important to document them,
in full and in great detail, in this wonderful book. If you're a
fan of ancient life, or love animal and plant art, then Visions
of Lost Worlds: The Paleoart of Jay Matternes is for you." -
GeekDad
"A beautifully produced love letter to Matternes's palaeoart.
Written by the museum's Curator of Dinosauria Matthew T. Carano and
director Kirk R. Johnson, in close collaboration with Matternes
himself, this large-format art book offers an unparalleled look at
these murals and the artistic process of making them. [...] A large
part of each chapter shows blown-up sections of the mural,
revealing details that are easily missed. This highlights, for
example, Matternes's love of painting animal faces and feet.
Furthermore, Matternes has contributed a huge number of sketches
and studies from his archives, showing the painstaking work that
went into each animal shown on the murals. On many of the sketches
you will find the original handwritten notes, thoughts, and
corrections that Matternes jotted down as he was working. What is
especially sweet is that the size of their reproduction here allows
you to read almost all of them." - Natural History Book
Service
![]() |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
![]() |