Zdeněk Burian (1905-1981) was a Czech painter, illustrator, and teacher. He is best known for his illustrations of prehistoric life and his work in the field of paleoart. He was a prolific artist who produced hundreds of paintings and drawings throughout his career. His work has been featured in books, magazines, and museums around the world. He was also an influential teacher who taught at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague for many years. His students included some of the most important Czech artists of the 20th century. Burian's work is characterized by its attention to detail and its vivid colors, which bring to life the creatures he depicted from prehistory.