Maiastra
c. 1911
Medium
polished bronze
Dimensions
overall (sculpture): 55.9 × 18.9 × 18.7 cm (22 × 7 7/16 × 7 3/8 in.) overall (rectangular marble base): 20.32 × 13.97 × 16.51 cm (8 × 5 1/2 × 6 1/2 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CMC
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Katharine Graham
Accession Number
1980.75.1
Art Historical Context
Constantin Brâncuși's *Maiastra* (c. 1911), a polished bronze sculpture now housed at the National Gallery of Art, captures the essence of flight through radical abstraction. Standing just over 55 cm tall on a rectangular marble base, this sleek, ovoid form evokes a mythical bird soaring weightlessly. The mirror-like polish of the bronze creates a luminous, almost otherworldly glow, reflecting light and drawing viewers into its dynamic energy. Inspired by the *Măiastra*, a golden bird from Romanian folklore symbolizing beauty, the soul, and transcendence, the work reflects Brâncuși's deep tie...