Charles Burki, Dramatic Bear Attack, 1964, Gouache

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Original 1964 Gouache by Charles Burki – Dramatic Bear Attack Book Cover Art Original Cover Illustration for “De Groene Klauw” … Read more Original 1964 Gouache by Charles Burki – Dramatic Bear Attack Book Cover Art Original Cover Illustration for “De Groene Klauw” by John Ehle, 1964 This striking original gouache painting was executed in 1964 by Dutch illustrator Charles Burki for the cover of 'De Groene Klauw' (The Green Claw) by John Ehle, published by Uitgeverij Succes / Nederlandse Boekenclub, Amsterdam, in 1965 as part of the 'Gouden Uren' series. Burki’s composition captures a dramatic nocturnal confrontation between two hunters and a charging bear. The artist’s masterful control of tone and composition is evident in his limited palette of deep blues and blacks, heightening the cinematic tension and emotional intensity of the scene. The work is executed in Burki’s distinctive style—precise, atmospheric, and vividly narrative—qualities that made him one of the foremost illustrators of mid-century Dutch book and magazine art. The verso bears extensive editorial annotations confirming this as the definitive production artwork used for the printed cover design. Provenance: from the artist’s estate / former archives of Uitgeverij Succes, The Netherlands. Condition: Good original condition with light toning and minor handling marks on verso; image surface clean and vibrant. Publication: De Groene Klauw (John Ehle), Gouden Uren series, Uitgeverij Succes / Nederlandse Boekenclub, Amsterdam, 1965. See less