Re: Tyrannosaurus rex maquette
Dinosauria Review #3: Tyrannosaurus rex maquette
Part II
The tail sways in a ghost-like manner, almost like the lash of an oppressor. This leads me to the dominant, martial aspect of the animal. The age of the animal belies that every moment of its life has revolved around combat. In Tyrannosaurs we traditionally see two forms - the gracile and robust forms. Formerly we used to believe these were sexually dimorphic characters, but in recent years a glut of evidence points to it being likely correlated to age rather than sex. And the age and anatomical characteristics of this creature clearly display that it is the
robust form of T.rex along the lines of RSM 2523.8 or FMNH PR2081 - the size of the skull in comparison to the rest of the body, bowed forelimbs, and emphasized again by space-consuming yet elegant tail. We are literally looking at a hardened combatant. Its very body looks to be armor. Dermal protuberances line the entire dorsal region, not only along the spine itself, but even edging the upper thighs. These protrusions are most noticeable along the cervical region posterior to the skull; while ornamental, their angular nature even in display evokes menace. The orbital ridges are thick and heavily ossified, again a characteristic of the robust form of Tyrannosaurs, a characteristic which Bakker hypothesized could have been used in conspecific combat, along with the nasal ridge which is likewise thickened - even to such an extent that it elevates from above the base and extends over the naris. This prominence in terms of the nasal ridge is likely from the bone disease that this individual has running throughout its body, but that makes it no less formidable.
Now to the scars. Every injury, every etch in its hide, tells a story. The story of this animal's life is etched into its very flesh. Trophies, medals of valor, this animal's rewards for contests wherein it emerged the victor. Some members of this forum have been complaining about the detailing on the scars. When reading their comments, I find myself wondering if any of them have ever actually seen avulsion injuries on large reptiles. My guess is no, because then none of this complaining would have ensued. No two scars on an individual should be alike. Those along the right flank of the thoracic region as well as along the right hip are clearly older, with the tissue having build up over time, elevating over the cutaneous surface.
Conversely, the immense area on the tail where it appears the skin and a decent portion of subcutaneous tissue was removed, isn't elevated, but still deeper than the surface tissue, glistening giving the impression that it is relatively fresh (over the past several weeks or months) and is slowly healing.
Now to the scarring all throughout the skull. The left side of the skull has flaps of skin and scales that have healed over, still facing perpendicular to the body surface. The right side of the skull, however, makes these injuries appear to have been the tender touch of a lover by comparison. The raking wounds along the right side of the skull are a painful reminder of perhaps the most impressive combative success of this alpha male's career - battling off a pack of Tyrannosaurs and in particular its aggressive matriarch. While some of the wounds from this attack seem to have healed over, others are rich with fluid. It seems as if every time this T.rex flexes its jaw it opens these wounds again, even if only slightly in comparison to when they were originally inflicted. The maxilla sports several gruesome sections, and the mandible has an immense section of flesh torn away. What's nice is looking at this in comparison to the rest of the jaw. Displaying not only its ferocity, but its age, this T.rex has slackened skin along its lower jaw, revealing the deep crimson gums beneath. I found it interesting to compare this loose skin along the left side of the mandible with the same section on the right side, where we can see that the matriarch's teeth found purchase in this skin and tore it free from its foundations.
Now obviously when looking to this particular section of the creature, one in drawn to its teeth. I personally like the idea of the T.rex being depicted with its jaws clamped shut rather than splayed with ferocity. It would be like every piece of wildlife art depicting lions having them roaring and striking out with their claws. Lions are not in a constant state of attack, and sometimes the moment before launching the attack is where the artist can find the most menace in the predator. That feat was achieved here. Speaking as someone who looks at animal dentition every single day, the buildup of plaque as the teeth move proximally is extraordinary. The way in which the paint and gloss were applied make the teeth appear to be genuine and far more than simple polystone. Also, the teeth are not uniform. So many people have the misconception that T.rex teeth are generally homodont and vary only in size. On the contrary, T.rex possessed heterodont dentition, meaning that its teeth varied widely in their design and purpose, depending upon where they were placed in the jaw. The large teeth along the side show those tools which were meant to drive through bone as if it were margarine, and opposite these we see the delicate nipping teeth in the front which would have been equally useful in peeling away bits of flesh as well as grooming.
And now to the color scheme. Anthony Mestas did an exemplary job here, and in natural light one can see the intricate interplay of colors to execute a magnificent cryptic coloration. The tan, green, grey, and brown shades which result give the animal exceptional cover for patrolling dense foliage, but the head itself is quite impressive. The shade of red isn't overwhelming, thankfully. Like the rest of the body on this geriatric autocrat, the colors are somewhat muted, thought still attain a vibrancy that is quite beautiful. In countless bird and reptile species we see these features. Males birds develop more vibrant coloration depending upon the season and dominance of the individuals; male reptiles flush capillary beds in order to intimidate or impress. This male seems to be literally "red with anger" over the presence of a rival Tyrannosaur in his territory, and it's a fine touch of realism in the piece. Speaking of realism, the gloss is applied quite well throughout. I mentioned the fresher scars sporting such coating, but the eyes and the nostrils appear moist, another of the many features which truly makes the maquette come alive.
In short, it's my favorite piece in the collection thus far. I could pore over the minutia of details for hours on end. The line continues to impress. Even the exclusive skull had an interplay of colors that was impressive, and the delicate sculpting of the teeth to appear as sharp as they are thick leaves no need to wonder to which beast this skull belongs.
I have never personally beheld any statue which conveys so very much about the individual animal more so than this maquette. The backstory for the statue relays that the Tyrant of Hell Creek is depicted in mid-stride, turning to meet a much younger and ultimately inexperienced combatant. This is where I'll begin to assert how much the personality of the animal leaps forth from the sculpt upon close examination; He seems as if he has been cruelly interrupted while patrolling his territory, deviating from his course to discipline an impudent whelp intruding within his domain. Just look at those eyes! Now, I imagine if the eyes aren't painted evenly this exercise may be a bit comical, but on my maquette, they are evenly placed; the right eye widened, and the left eye squinting. The expression looks to be one of both confusion and rage. The T.rex is furious at this effrontery, letting loose a deep growl and turning to assert his dominance as he has so very many times before.
