Surviving sketches
These two compositions mark the beginning of the “Fauna” cycle.
The surreal intertwining of human and animal bodies evokes a sense of unease, hinting at a struggle between fantastical creatures and humans — a theme that is further depicted in the other reliefs of this cycle.
Bas-relief Recreated from a Surviving Sketch
Sculptor Danielius Sodeika, 2024–2025
Only a sketch of this work had survived, so sculptor Danielius Sodeika undertook its recreation and sculpted a model. The scene depicts a dramatic moment in which a serpent coils its body around a man-owl figure. Rimantas Šulskis consistently used the language of symbolism in his art. Danielius Sodeika describes the meaning of this composition as follows:
"The owl represents wisdom, while the dragon-serpent symbolizes the vital, animalistic energy within a human being. This piece expresses that eternal inner struggle."
Bas-relief Created by Sculptor Rimantas Šulskis
The relief depicts a hybrid of man and beast. The anatomically precise human figure bears the head of an unidentifiable animal. The composition is grand and filled with restrained energy. The powerful man-beast appears confined within a tight rectangular space. He seems weary, crushed, and entirely non-threatening.
Bas-relief Created by Sculptor Rimantas Šulskis
The Relief Depicts a Male Figure with a Bird’s Head.
This fantastical man-bird is a fusion of two contrasting natures — a motif favored by Rimantas Šulskis and one of the central themes of his work. The sculptor created dozens of decorative sculptures featuring the metaphorical man-bird, sometimes endearing, sometimes unsettling.
In this relief, the athletic male figure gradually transforms into a bird, his head bowed. The strangely transformed body is enveloped by arms that resemble wings.
Bas-relief Created by Sculptor Rimantas Šulskis
This Relief is the Most Decorative and Quite Difficult to Interpret.
A winged creature with the head of a horse and human limbs attacks a monstrous serpent, attempting to restrain its movements. Perhaps the serpent has already been defeated — is that why both figures appear so frozen in place?
In this composition, the sculptor manages to convey both tension and stillness at the same time. How this effect is achieved is hard to explain — it is likely a testament to the artist’s masterful talent.
Bas-relief Created by Sculptor Rimantas Šulskis
Once Again, the Work Depicts a Bird-Human Hybrid.
At first glance, it’s the bird-like silhouette that catches the eye — the predatory beak and enormous feet. But upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the bird’s body is also a human figure. The legs and torso are expertly sculpted, with strong muscles that suggest immense latent power.
Eventually, one realizes that this fantastical creature is a symbolic figure — associated with struggle, drive, resistance, and a sense of looming threat. Perhaps the sculptor was indirectly expressing how he perceived the world and the era he lived in.