David Boyd, member of the Boyd family dynasty, is among the great feelers of Australian art. His work crosses universal and mythological themes, using poetry, philosophy and history to articulate the human experience.

‘Death of Burke’ is a rich work. It references the ill-fated expedition of Wills and Burke, two Australian explorers who descended into the bush in 1860. While waiting for rescue, Wills died of exhaustion and starvation; soon after, Burke died too at a place now called Burke’s Waterhole in South Australia. In Boyd’s version, Burke has fossilized into a rock formation. He desperately stares out at the unflinching red sky - perilous to the blazingly sublime Australian landscape.

Boyd traverses themes with dexterity and wit. He was a master potter, painter and printmaker, who is represented in all state collections and continues to resonate throughout Australia today.
 

David BOYD (1924 - 2011)
'Death of Burke' (c. 2003)
etching on paper
Edition of 60, with 10 APs
Image Size: 20 x 25 cm
Dimensions: 51 x 4 cm
Signed: Signed, editioned and titled in margin
Comes with Letter of Provenance
Triple plate etching

 
Condition: Excellent

© David Boyd / Copyright Agency 2022