Don Balke (B. 1933) "American Mink" Original

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American & European Fine Art & Antiques

By Helmuth Stone Gallery

Aug 14, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-08-14 13:00:00 2022-08-14 13:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American & European Fine Art & Antiques https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/helmuth-stone-gallery/american-european-fine-art-antiques-9889
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• Lot Description
  Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "American Mink" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board.
  
  Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
  
  This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for Balke's Baby Wildlife of the 50 States, postmarked June 1, 1984.
  
  In the wilds of Kentucky, baby American Minks playfully follow their mother as she dives for food from their waterfront home. Like their relatives, the otters, the young Minks enjoy sliding down banks, splashing into the water -- warm from summer's sun. As their mother fishes for the crayfish, frogs, salmon and trout that will make up their dinner, the young indulge in noisy, rough-and-tumble mock fights. Another day, the mother and her brood will slink through the tall grass as they silently search for muskrat, or water voles or birds that nest upon the ground. Occasionally, mother will stop, eyes glued to one spot, all senses alert, and pull herself up on her front legs, craning her long neck for a better view of the territory. The youngsters will mimic her, all the while learning the tricks of survival. Finding their prey on the land and in the water, Minks are among the few carnivores who have conquered both. The male Mink, who is twice the size of his female counterpart, may wander long distances, while the female stays near to her babies, within a much smaller range. From February to March, both male and female purr to each other as the mating season progresses. In a few months, five or six kits are born. They remain in their cozy nest for six to eight weeks. Allowed to enjoy their youth, the baby Minks must also learn quickly to hunt and fish. Come Autumn, the family will break up and its members will lead solitary lives until springtime comes to the Kentucky wilderness.
  
  Image Size: 11 x 12.75 in.
  Overall Size: 18 x 20.25 in.
  Unframed.
  (B08757)

  Condition

  
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