Howard Koslow (1924 - 2016) "Elephant" Signed lower left. Original Acrylic painting on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the 29? Elephant stamp issued April 6, 1993.

"Hold your horses, here come the elephants!" This familiar cry signaled the start of the fabulous circus parade. Although cavorting clowns, prancing horses and blaring trumpets entertained the spectators, perhaps the most awe-inspiring attraction was the promenade of elephants. Lumbering two-by-two, linked by trunk and tail, these massive creatures slowly made their way down crowd-lined streets. Often turbaned "mahouts" -- Asian elephant trainers -- added to the animals' mystique as the exotic herds paraded along the route. The Grand Cortege revealed just a glimmer of what was to come. For the real show was under the big top, and there was still much to be done before showtime. In the early days of the circus, elephants played an integral part in setting up the "tent city." Their tremendous strength was a valuable asset that was employed at each stop. The harnessed pachyderms strained against heavy chains connected to the center kingpole. Their herculean efforts would eventually pull the pole and its bale rings into position as the tent began to take shape. Caring for the elephants was a huge task, but often a young circus fan would lend a hand. An industrious child could earn a free pass by hauling water to the thirsty creatures, though just being close to such a great curiosity was probably payment enough. "To see the elephant," a common 19th-century expression connoting sophistication and a vast knowledge of life, sums up the magnitude of this enormous creature's effect on its devoted public.

Image Size: 14 x 12 in.
Overall Size: 20.25 x 17.5 in.
Unframed.
(B14173)

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