Chuck Ripper (American, B. 1929) "Gorilla Sitting in Grass" Signed lower right. Original Gouache/Watercolor painting on Masonite.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the United Nations F.s 0,80 Gorilla stamp issued March 3, 1983.
Gorillas are the largest living primates. Adult males may weigh 450 pounds and stand nearly six feet tall. Surprisingly, fossil records and biochemical data indicate that Gorillas are more genetically similar to humans than they are to orangutans. Along with chimpanzees, Gorillas are considered the most intelligent land animals on earth. They can be taught to communicate hundreds of words using sign language, combining some into rudimentary two-word phrases. Despite these "human-like" attributes, Gorillas have an unwarranted reputation for incredible ferocity. Although males can be quite dangerous if threatened, for the most part these noble beasts of the African jungles are peaceful, gentle creatures. Each year thousands of tourists visit the forests of Rwanda and mingle with totally unrestrained wild Gorillas. No one has ever been banned. One day soon, however, wild Gorillas may vanish, for every year more of their range is destroyed for the sake of timber and agricultural interests. In many parts of Africa, Gorillas are killed because they eat crops. People eat Gorilla meat in Gabon, serving it in restaurants. Hunters sell Gorilla skulls and skins to tourists. And every Gorilla that reaches a zoo represents two that have died on the way. Halting these assaults on Gorillas and their habitat is the only way to ensure the survival of these regal beasts.
Image Size: 14.5 x 12.25 in.
Overall Size: 17.5 x 14.75 in.
Unframed.
(B14180)
Condition
- By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions.
- All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted.
- All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances.
- Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.
- Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com
- We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly.
- Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live.
- Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.