Items Similar to “Explosion at the Border Gate” by Charles Burki, 1970 – War Illustration Gouache
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9
“Explosion at the Border Gate” by Charles Burki, 1970 – War Illustration Gouache
$1,304.65
£979.33
€1,100
CA$1,825.18
A$1,997.62
CHF 1,038.37
MX$24,042.09
NOK 13,054.01
SEK 12,245.07
DKK 8,380.61
About the Item
Explosion at the Border Gate by Charles Burki, 1970 – War Illustration Gouache
This powerful original gouache painting by Charles Burki (1909–1994), executed in 1970, captures a moment of terror and chaos in a Middle Eastern or North African wartime setting. The scene is composed with cinematic immediacy: a man in traditional robes recoils in horror as an explosion erupts behind him, sending smoke and debris into the bright desert sky. Soldiers in khaki uniforms appear near a red-and-white border barrier, while onlookers flee in confusion amidst the dust and destruction.
The back of the board bears the title De Toren van Babel (“The Tower of Babel”), suggesting that this work was an illustration for a story or magazine feature by the same name. Burki’s ability to convey the human cost of conflict is evident in the anguished expression of the central figure—his face rendered in raw emotion, his gesture frozen between disbelief and fear. The explosive energy of the composition, combined with Burki’s attention to ethnographic and architectural detail, situates this as one of his more politically and emotionally charged works from the post-war period.
Burki’s art was often informed by his own harrowing wartime experiences. During World War II, he survived imprisonment by Japanese forces, the bombing of a transport ship, and later the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. These experiences profoundly shaped his view of human suffering and endurance, which he continued to express in his later work for illustrated magazines, historical publications, and war-themed commissions throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
This painting exemplifies Burki’s remarkable draughtsmanship, color sense, and mastery of composition—his hallmarks as both illustrator and chronicler of human drama. The tension between vivid color and human fragility gives this image its enduring power.
Condition report: Very good overall condition with light handling traces to the margins. Strong, vibrant colors and stable gouache surface. Verso shows original notes and publication markings.
Framing suggestion: A deep shadowbox frame with a neutral mount will enhance the dramatic composition and preserve the historical annotations on the reverse.
Technique: Gouache on board
Maker: Charles Burki (Dutch-Indonesian, 1909–1994), signed and dated 1970, titled De Toren van Babel verso
- Dimensions:Height: 16.34 in (41.5 cm)Width: 19.69 in (50 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:Condition report: Very good overall condition with light handling traces to the margins. Strong, vibrant colors and stable gouache surface. Verso shows original notes and publication markings.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-Bea311stDibs: LU3054347159682
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,689 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllSoldiers Cover During Battle – Original War Illustration by Charles Burki, 1953
Located in Langweer, NL
Soldiers Cover During Battle – Original War Illustration by Charles Burki, 1953
This dramatic wartime drawing is signed Charles Burki at the lower left — unmistakably the hand of th...
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Drawings
Materials
Paper
“Crossing Under Fire” 1953 Original Gouache & Ink Illustration by Charles Burki
Located in Langweer, NL
Original Illustration “Crossing Under Fire” by Charles Burki, 1953 – Gouache and Ink Drawing
Powerful wartime illustration by Dutch artist Charles Burki (1909–1994), signed and date...
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Drawings
Materials
Paper
Original 1968 Gouache “Julius” by Charles Burki – Mid-Century Dutch Art
Located in Langweer, NL
Original Illustration "Julius" by Charles Burki, 1968 – Gouache Drawing
Description:
Original 1968 illustration by Charles Burki (1909–1994), the Dutch painter and illustrator renow...
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Drawings
Materials
Paper
The Captain’s Despair – Naval War Illustration by Charles Burki, 1970
Located in Langweer, NL
The Captain’s Despair – Naval War Illustration by Charles Burki, 1970
This dramatic original gouache illustration by Charles Burki (1909–1994), signed and dated 1970, captures a sea...
Category
Vintage 1970s Dutch Drawings
Materials
Paper
Original Illustration ‘The Office Fight’ by Charles Burki, 1973 – Gouache
Located in Langweer, NL
Original Illustration "Office Fight Scene" by Charles Burki, 1973 – Gouache
Description:
Original 1973 gouache and ink illustration by Charles Burki (1909–1994), one of the Netherla...
Category
Vintage 1970s Dutch Drawings
Materials
Paper
The Accident – Original Noir Illustration by Charles Burki, 1964
Located in Langweer, NL
The Accident – Original Noir Illustration by Charles Burki, 1964
This dramatic original illustration by Charles Burki (1909–1994), signed and dated 1964, captures a moment of chilli...
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Drawings
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
The Explosion of the Grenade - Lithograph by P. Morando - 1950s
By Pietro Morando
Located in Roma, IT
The Explosion of the Grenade is an original artwork realized by Italian artist Pietro Morando (Alessandria 1889- 1980).
Original Lithograph.
Good condition except for some folding ...
Category
1950s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
The Outbreak - Original China Ink and Watercolor signed "Piulis" - 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
The Outbreak is an original artwork realized by an unknown artist signed "Piulis".
Original China ink and watercolor drawing on ivory cardboard...
Category
1950s Figurative Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Watercolor, Ink
Explosion of the Grenade - Original Lithograph by Pietro Morando - 20th Century
By Pietro Morando
Located in Roma, IT
Explosion of the Grenade is an original artwork realized by Italian artist Pietro Morando (Alessandria 1889- 1980).
Original Lithograph.
Hand-signed on the lower right in pencil, t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
During the War - Drawing by Jean-Raymond Delpech - 1941
Located in Roma, IT
During the War is an original drawing in watercolor realized in 1941 by Jean-Raymond Delpech (1916-1988).
Hand-signed and dated on the lower right. The state of preservation of the...
Category
1940s Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Watercolor
Bombardment with Tea - Paint by Alberto Gallerati - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Oil on canvas realized by Alberto Gallerati (b. 1945) in 1970s.
Hand signed.
Very good condition.
Category
1970s Contemporary Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$521 Sale Price
20% Off
Powerful original gouache painting from 1983 - apartheid-era South Africa
Located in PARIS, FR
This powerful original gouache painting from 1983 by the celebrated Soviet satirical collective Kukryniksy embodies a direct and forceful critique of colonial oppression and racial i...
Category
1980s Prints and Multiples
Materials
Paper, Gouache, Linen
