Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "American Cats" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board.

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

This is the original painting which was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for a Se-tenant Block of four U.S. 22c American Cat stamps issued February 5, 1988.

Domestic cats have been a part of civilization for nearly five thousand years. In the days of Ancient Egypt, as slaves toiled about the pyramids, cats held a place of honor. The Greeks used cats to combat rodents and began to steal them from the Egyptians, and it soon became a capital crime to steal a cat. As Romans overran the Kingdom of Egypt, the cats of a dying civilization became the spoils of war. By ships, by land, carried by wagon or cart, the cat made its way into the heart of nearly every civilization on earth. In America, cats made their appearance in the 1700's, wending their way into the hearts and homes of our founding fathers. Today, cats are among America's favorite pets and are lavished with affection in many an American home.

Image Size: in.
Overall Size: in.
Unframed.
(B11366)

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