Constantin Brancusi “Maiastra” and “Bird in Space” at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice

Constantin Brancusi has created many polished bronze sculptures depicting birds.

Constantin Brancusi “Maiastra”

Sculpture - Polished Copper (High 73,1 cm) 1912

C.Brancusi, Maiastra This theme of the bird began with its sculpture “Maiastra” in 1912.

Of Romanian origin, like the artist, the word "Maiastra" means "Master" or "Chef".

A choice also linked to Brancusi's interest in the peasant superstitions of his country of origin.

Indeed, this title of "Maiastra" also corresponds to a part of Romanian folklore, a benevolent bird with superb plumage.

This distinctive plumage is represented here by the gilt polish of bronze.

Brancusi also chose to show his "Maiastra" song, as seen, swollen throat, neck back and open beak.

It seems here perched on his plinth, alive!

But although singing, Brancusi's "Maiastra" is "strong".

The nobility of the exceptional bird unambiguously emanates from the sculpture.

Constantin Brancusi “Bird in Space”

Bird in Space Sculpture - Polished Copper (High 151.7 cm) 1932-40
Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice

Brancusi's second sculpture exhibited at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, “Bird in Space” (L'Oiseau Dans l'Espace), was made more than 20 years later, between 1932 and 1940.

The same polished copper defines the exceptional bird and its plumage.

But here it is no longer firmly perched on its base like the “Maiastra”.

Now his "Bird" is soaring in the air.

The purity of the line and the simplicity of the curves indeed evoke the bird's clean flight.

“Bird in Space” is a superb sculpture with perfect lines.

C.Brancusi, Maiastra