Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Dinosaur / Brontosaurus" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 25c Brontosaurus stamp issued October 1, 1989.
Though it was an herbivore, the brontosaurus numbers among the largest land animals that ever lived. It was so large, in fact, there has been some debate as to whether such an enormous beast could support its great bulk on land, or was forced to dwell almost exclusively in water. While it is most likely the creature spent a lot of time in the water to help support its tremendous weight, and also took refuge from predators by retreating into the water, scientists now believe that brontosaurus was able to get around on land with relative grace. However, it probably represents the maximum size and bulk attainable by a land animal. This huge swamp-dweller stood on four huge, elephant-like legs, and had a long neck and tail. However, its tiny head took up only about two feet of its eighty-foot length. The size, shape and features of brontosaurus' head were disputed by scientists for more than a century after the first remains were uncovered. Incomplete finds, and the possibility of a mix-up of fossils in transit from an excavation site created great uncertainty, and the head was represented in early models as snub-nosed; the teeth, spoon-like. In 1978, however, scientists rejected this representation in favor of a slender, elongated skull containing long, sharp teeth. These teeth may have looked dangerous, but they were really rather delicate and probably only suitable for eating the most tender plants.
Image Size: 14.75 x 13 in.
Overall Size: 23.75 x 20 in.
Unframed.
(B12045)
Condition
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