5 point starfish, based |
During the 4th century BC Alexander the Great pieced together one of the largest empires ever built; but he also started to conquer territory that is still largely unexplored over two thousand years later – the undersea world. In 332 BC, it was reported Alexander had himself lowered in a glass diving bell so he could see how to clear the harbor of the Phoenician city of Tyre. It was a trick taught to him by his teacher Aristotle, who proposed such exploration should be motivated by fascination rather than capitulation.
Sea urchin, based |
Regardless of motive, can you imagine what Alexander saw as he was lowered under the water for the first time? He was undoubtedly seduced by this new world. The ancient literature described him as being stunned by the colors and shapes, which is the same reaction prompted by this week’s New Arrival – a collection of starfish and sea urchins mounted on custom nickel bases. Look closely; see what Alexander saw; sense Aristotle’s fascination. Over two millennia later, the experience is still stunning.