We are living in a golden age of palaeoart, so we are told.  At least until AI generated images take over completely.  At Everything Dinosaur, we create a great deal of our own content.  However, we also do our best to support photographers, artists and other creators. For example, on a recent trip to Germany we spotted some prehistoric animals depicted in a frieze at the entrance to the Berlin Aquarium. One of the extinct creatures featured was a Nothosaurus marine reptile.  The Berlin Aquarium building was constructed between 1911 and 1913 (we think). The building’s facades feature many prehistoric animals.  They illustrate how scientists envisaged dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures more than a hundred years ago.

Nothosaurus adorns the Berlin Aquarium. It forms part of a frieze of prehistoric animals that surrounds the entrance. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Nothosaurus Marine Reptile from the Early 20th Century

Nothosaurus was semi-aquatic. It lived during the Triassic, and it was found throughout the ancient Tethys Ocean region from Europe, Asia and North Africa. Numerous species have been erected, and the genus was established in 1834 by the German palaeontologist Count Georg Ludwig Friedrich Wilhelm zu Münster. It is likely that the Nothosaurus relief was created to honour the achievements of the Count.

The Nothosaurus marine reptile depicted at the Berlin Aquarium reflects quite accurately what is known about this ancient reptile. For example, the animal has webbed feet, and this mirrors a modern reconstruction.

As for models, sadly, this genus has often been overlooked by model manufacturers. However, Schleich did introduce a replica of Nothosaurus in 2022. It is quite a rare model and sometimes difficult to find.

The new for 2022 Schleich Nothosaurus marine reptile model in lateral view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Schleich prehistoric animal models in stock: Schleich Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It was wonderful to see the early 20th century relief depicting prehistoric animals at the entrance to the Berlin Aquarium.  Nothosaurus was named and described by a German scientist and perhaps the most well-known Nothosaurus figure is the Schleich Nothosaurus. Schleich is based in Germany.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models.