beauty call

Constantin Brancusi

It is rare to be able to follow the complete evolution of an artist’s ideas, but through the work of prolific sculptor Constantin Brancusi, it is possible to see the evolution of his thought in precise intervals, to follow his idea from its inception, through its intermediary phases into ultimate realization.

From the 1920s to the 1940s, Brancusi completed 27 sculptures of birds.  He returned to the theme again and again, concentrating not on the physical attributes of the bird but on its proportion.  He said, “My ‘Birds’ are a series of different objects in a quest that remains the same – [to create] an enlarged version that would fill the vault of the sky.”

–

Maiastra, Constantin Brancusi, 1912. Bronze, 55.9 cm high

His first bird, the comparatively naturalistic Maiastra, with its outstretched neck and open beak, was inspired by the legendary Pasarea Maiastra (Master Bird).  A magic bird in Romanian folklore famed for its radiant plumage and marvelous song, it was a messenger of love who guided and protected Prince Charming in his search for his Princess.  There are seven variations of this form.

–

Golden Bird, Brancusi, c.1919. bronze, stone & wood 217.8 cm. high

Several years later, through a series of four variations which he called Golden Bird, the form becomes more attenuated, taller, absorbing the head and neck into a swelling urn-like body.

–

Bird in Space, Brancusi, c. 1941, Bronze. 182.9cm high, on two-part stone pedestal 44.1cm high

Finally, in 1923, he established the form of Bird in Space, which exists in sixteen versions, an aeriform blade of bronze.  The swell of the body is elongated, and the head and beak are reduced to a slanted oval plane.  ”My most recent ‘Birds’ are the ones where I got closest to the right proportion,” he said, “I approached this correct proportion to such a degree that I was able to rid myself of myself.”

Images via MoMA