Natural Tumor Nodule - Alnus sp

This specimen is a natural tumor-like nodule formed on the trunk of an alder, a tree typical of wetlands and mountainous areas. The wooden sculpture we see today is the result of a biological process: an abnormal and chaotic growth of the woody tissue, born as a reaction of the tree to environmental traumas, attacks by fungi or parasites, or simple wounds. The wood developed irregularly, creating an interweaving of fibers, knots and multiform grain patterns that give the work a dynamic, three-dimensional appearance. The surface reveals tones ranging from dark brown to honey gold, up to lighter and silvery shades. Placed on a base of iron with a rust finish, the whole gains a strong conceptual value: the contrast between living wood and oxidized metal recalls the themes of pollution, smog and the wounds man inflicts on the Earth. The sculpture thus becomes a meditation on the fragile balance between progress and nature, between environmental scars and the resilience of the plant world. From a botanical point of view, nodules like this (also called galls or burl wood) are highly sought after for the rarity and complexity of their veneers, used for centuries in the production of precious veneers for furniture, pipes, handles and wooden artworks. Their uniqueness is absolute, as each tumor-like growth follows an unpredictable path. Symbolically, this work represents the resilience of nature, capable of turning a wound into a masterpiece. It is at once a testament to the biological history of the tree and a universal metaphor of transformation, of resilience and of the ability to rebirth despite adversity. Species: Alder (Alnus sp.) Trunk dimensions: approx. 48 × 44 × 110 cm Base: iron with rust finish, 56 × 56 × 7 cm Total weight: 62 kg A unique piece, halfway between natural art and contemporary sculpture, capable of dialoguing with those who observe it, revealing each time new forms, faces and hidden landscapes in its grain.

Estimate:£3,204.11

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