650 000 CZK
| 26 000 €
Lot 169
The Bird Moa
65 x 49 cm (h x w)
Starting price
Price realized
169 000 CZK
| 6 760 €
| 6 760 €
price without premium
This painting of a New Zeeland moa bird is a part of the artist's creative series focusing on paleontological reconstructions. Important paleontologist Professor Josef Augusta advised him in this field. Although Burian honestly tried to portray the physiognomy of prehistoric animals based on paleontological findings, his artistic interpretation and opinion do not fade. Vibrant color, interplay of light and shadow, and the action are also present. The central "figure" is a giant colorful running bird with bright blue feathers, whose scientific name is Dinornis. Off to the side it is observed by two indigenous Maors, and it is unclear if they are merely hiding or preparing to hunt the bird. Published as an illustration in: Ludvík Souček: Velké otazníky, SNDK, Prague, 1967, p. 240. Oil on cardboard, signed on bottom right "Z. Burian".