ARTIST: John Swatsley (United States, born 1937)
NAME: Golden Eagle
YEAR: 1985
MEDIUM: gouache on board
CONDITION: Excellent. No visible inpaint under UV light.
SIGHT SIZE: 8 x 8 inches / 20 x 20 cm
BOARD SIZE: 18 x 20 inches / 45 x 50 cm
SIGNATURE: lower left
NOTE: The proud and beautiful Golden Eagle could well have been chosen as a symbol for the United States, for it is a far fiercer bird than the Bald Eagle. Indeed, eagles including the Golden Eagle and others have long been symbols cherished by kings, emperors, and nations. For this reason, they have often
been used as their emblem. For example, the national seal of Mexico bears the figure of an eagle devouring a serpent which symbolizes to the people of that nation the triumph of good over evil. Other nations, including Egypt and Persia, have lifted the eagle high as part of their battle standards. One of the
most impressive of all eagles is the magnificent Golden Eagle which makes its home high in the craggy cliffs of the Rocky Mountains. A proud bird, the Golden Eagle is forever preening its dark brown plumage, accented by the golden crown and nape which earned the bird its name. But, often the bird will leave
its lofty nest to soar on powerful wings, spending hours in search of prey. Occasionally, the eagle will soar so high it appears to be a mere speck in the heavens. On seeing this magnificent creature above, it is easy to understand how it earned its nicknames -- the Royal Eagle and the King of Birds.
PROVENANCE: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
CATEGORY: antique vintage painting
SKU#: 116920
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BIOGRAPHY:
Living in different locales, gave John a love of travel and a chance to observe nature in all its variety. This, along with seeing the work of the great illustrators at the end of the illustration era, were the early steps to a lifetime in art. After high school he was accepted by the prestigious Art Center School in
Los Angeles. There he received the foundations in design and painting necessary for a professional artist. After military obligations, he enjoyed a career in magazine art direction and freelance illustrations for philatelic first day covers of new stamp issues.
Winning first place in the National Forest Service Centennial stamp competition was a life-changing event, making possible the first of six trips to Africa. Those trips opened up a spectacular array of subjects, leading to a new approach in his art. From a long time use of watercolors, he moved into oils, as he
felt they were better suited to the effects he wanted to achieve.
"In my new work I strive for the painting to not only represent the beauty of the subjects themselves, but for the painting as a whole to stand as a work of art." John explains, "The viewer can enjoy the piece on different levels; interpretation, color, textures and a fresh approach to design". Swatsley's
work shows a freedom in grouping different species together in one composition using imaginative settings that call for the viewer's own participation in the creative process.
In his art, you will sense something of the mystery one feels when alone in a quiet corner of creation.