Items Similar to Set of Three Original Automobile Illustrations - Charles Burki, c.1937 – Gouache
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12
Set of Three Original Automobile Illustrations - Charles Burki, c.1937 – Gouache
$2,615.83per set
£1,948.19per set
€2,200per set
CA$3,668.83per set
A$4,023.73per set
CHF 2,075.21per set
MX$48,066.92per set
NOK 26,319.96per set
SEK 24,691.10per set
DKK 16,764.33per set
About the Item
Set of Three Original Automobile Illustrations by Charles Burki, ca. 1937 – Gouache on Board
A rare and beautifully preserved trio of original automotive illustrations by Dutch artist Charles Burki (1909–1994), executed circa 1937 in gouache on board. These works were created for a luxury automobile advertising campaign, likely commissioned by a European or American car manufacturer during the golden age of motoring.
Each composition captures the refined optimism of the late 1930s — a period when automobiles symbolized freedom, progress, and modern design. The series features three distinct color and seasonal scenes:
1. A yellow touring sedan speeding along a winding alpine road, with snow-capped peaks and storm clouds towering dramatically behind — a striking study of power and endurance.
2. A red limousine gliding through the Dutch countryside, with soft light illuminating farmhouses, canals, and a distant windmill — an elegant ode to modernity meeting tradition.
3. A blue luxury car parked in a snowy landscape, where a family observes children building a snowman and a terrier jumping playfully — a warm and human winter vignette of comfort and style.
Burki’s mastery of perspective and atmosphere shines in these scenes. His architectural training is evident in the precision of the car’s proportions and reflections, while his painterly touch evokes the cinematic mood of prewar travel posters and luxury magazine art. The chromatic depth and realism suggest these may have been presentation boards for print advertising or dealer catalogues.
Charles Burki was born in the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) and trained as an architect before dedicating his career to illustration. His work for publications such as Panorama, Elsevier, and De Haagse Post combined realism with idealism, often celebrating technology, progress, and human ingenuity.
His biography is as remarkable as his art. During World War II, while living in the Dutch East Indies, Burki was captured and interned by the Japanese. He endured years of forced labor, survived the sinking of a prisoner transport ship after it was torpedoed, and later survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki — experiences that profoundly shaped his later life and artistic sensibility. After the war, he rebuilt his career in the Netherlands and became one of the country’s leading illustrators of postwar culture, technology, and modern life.
This prewar trio stands as a rare glimpse of Burki’s early mastery and commercial work before the cataclysm of the 1940s. Together, they evoke an age of elegance, innovation, and confidence — an aesthetic bridge between Art Deco and mid-century realism.
Condition report: Excellent overall, with strong original colors and minimal signs of age. Light handling wear and subtle edge toning consistent with period advertising artboards.
Framing tips: Present together in matching silver or chrome frames with wide white mats to echo the sophistication of 1930s automotive design. Alternatively, a walnut or black lacquer frame provides contrast and gravitas.
Technique: Gouache on illustration board
Maker: Charles Burki, The Netherlands, circa 1937
- Dimensions:Height: 10.44 in (26.5 cm)Width: 15.95 in (40.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 3
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1937
- Condition:Condition report: Very good overall, with strong original colors and minimal signs of age. Light handling wear and subtle edge toning consistent with period advertising artboards. Mounted with acid free tape on the edges.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-Bea17a, -17b, -17c1stDibs: LU3054347081572
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
2,676 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 AllSet of Three Vintage Pin-Up Model Lithographs by Lopez Alonso 'circa 1950'
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of three beautiful vintage pin-up lithographs. Signed by A. Lopez Alonso.
Category
20th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$903 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of 6 Antique Prints of 'Vehicle' Inventions and Designs, 'c.1920'
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of six prints illustrating various inventions including:
1) Triumphal Carriage by Hans Hautsch
2) Car of G. Gurney
3) Wind Chariot by Simon ...
Category
20th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$618 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Free Shipping
Antique Print with Illustrations of Car Parts from a Panhard et Levassor Catalog
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print with illustrations of car parts, double sided. The front shows chassis, car engines and other parts. The verso shows illustrations of various ...
Category
Early 20th Century Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
$152 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Botanical Treasures: Set of Three Flower Prints, circa 1930
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of three vintage flower prints. Little is known about these lovely prints, unsigned, no date. Aquarel? Published circa 1930.
Category
20th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$237 Sale Price / set
20% Off
“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
Set of 3 Antique Prints of Flanders and Holland 'circa 1820'
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of three antique prints with views of Flanders and Holland. Published by or after Robert Hills, circa 1820.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$285 Sale Price / set
20% Off
You May Also Like
Set of Three 1960s Themed Race Car Paintings
Located in Ferndale, MI
Possibly Illustration Art, signature not showing as matted.
One image is notated Jack Brabham in 1961 Cooper Climax.
Second notated Tony Brooks 1958 Vau...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Sporting Art Paintings
Materials
Glass
$1,890 / set
Set of Framed Vintage Lithograph Car Series, circa 1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original offset lithograph car series framed in a painted, faux bamboo vintage frame. Each piece has been professionally framed several years ago. There are four different ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood
$475 Sale Price / set
36% Off
Set of Four 1930's Motor Car Racing Original Drawings
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Wonderful set of four original pencil drawings depicting vintage motor cars from the 1930's.
They are an ideal gift or interior furnishing for any 'man cave' or 'boys room' - or fo...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Still-life Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Set of Four Vintage Italian Italy Cars Framed Color Lithographs Pictures, 1964
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Set of four framed and mounted color lithographs of four famous Italian Cars from the Veteran and vintage book produced in 1964 by Ariel Press, from the or...
Category
20th Century English Prints
Materials
Paper
Art Deco paintings signed CHABAUD - Set of Three Gouache 1929 & 1930
Located in Encino, CA
Set of THREE artworks, gouache on paper partially glued on cardboard.
Signed A.CHABAUD, dated and numbered. Some notes.
Projects of textiles an...
Category
Vintage 1920s French Paintings
Materials
Paint
set of three Italian 20th century Gouache paintings of Naples, by Ramponi Renato
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming and high quality set of three Italian 20th century ebonized Fruitwood, Giltwood and Gouache paintings of Naples, by Ramponi Renato. This wonderful set of paintings consist...
Category
20th Century Italian Paintings
Materials
Fruitwood, Giltwood, Paint
