Art Deco Map of Uruguay by Charles Burki, 1948

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Title: Original 1948 Map of Uruguay by Charles Burki – Art Deco Design for Liebig Extract This original 1948 pen-and-ink … Read more Title: Original 1948 Map of Uruguay by Charles Burki – Art Deco Design for Liebig Extract This original 1948 pen-and-ink map of Uruguay by Charles Burki (1909–1994) showcases his refined sense of composition and command of graphic clarity, blending geography, commercial illustration, and early postwar design. Created for the Liebig Extract of Meat Company, it highlights Uruguay’s agricultural wealth and export economy in an elegant Art Deco-inspired layout that merges precision mapping with striking visual detail. The map presents Uruguay’s major cities, rivers, and trade routes with clean linework and careful lettering. Around the borders, Burki added illustrative vignettes symbolizing the country’s key products: a detailed cow’s head among stalks of wheat, a Merino sheep on the opposite side, and depictions of maize, canned beef marked “Beef – Liebig,” and a bottle labeled “Aroma Liebig.” These images represent Uruguay’s principal exports of beef, hides, wool, and grain, rendered with Burki’s characteristic precision. An airplane, compass rose, and stylized marlin evoke movement, trade, and the connection between land and sea. This map is signed and dated “Charles Burki 48” in the lower right corner, marking the artist’s active postwar period when he worked for Dutch publishers such as Uitgeverij Succes, producing illustrations and educational maps that combined clarity with artistic appeal. The inclusion of advertising elements such as the Liebig branding reflects his ability to merge commercial and informational design without losing aesthetic balance. The depth and empathy in Burki’s postwar work are inseparable from his extraordinary personal history. Born in the Dutch East Indies, he was imprisoned during World War II by Japanese forces, survived the sinking of a transport ship, and endured the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. These traumatic experiences profoundly influenced his artistic outlook, sharpening both his technical discipline and his awareness of human endurance. After the war, Burki resettled in the Netherlands, channeling his resilience into illustration, architecture, and teaching. His work often carries a quiet strength and precision born from survival and reflection. In this map, Burki’s meticulous draughtsmanship conveys more than cartography—it reflects order, renewal, and progress after chaos. The composition is balanced and optimistic, celebrating productivity, trade, and human industry in a world rebuilding after war. Condition report: Very good condition with light toning and minor handling traces consistent with age. Small pieces of archival mounting tape are visible on the margins. The ink and linework remain crisp and bold. Framing suggestion: A simple black or dark oak frame with an off-white mat enhances the clarity of the linework and complements the vintage cream paper tone. Technique: Pen and ink on paper Maker: Charles Burki (Dutch-Indonesian, 1909–1994), signed and dated 1948 See less