Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Cardinal and Violet" Signed lower left. 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 Birds and Flowers of the 50 States, cancelled December 3, 1985.
A streak of red, sharp against the winter sky, darts across a meadow and comes to rest on top of a snow bank. Whoit whoit whoit; cheer cheer cheer, sings the fiery male Cardinal, and his whistle ricochets over the snow fields. Such dazzling good looks and imperial voice distinguish the Cardinal, or Redbird as it is often called, from any neighboring species. "In richness of plumage, elegance of motion and strength of song, this species surpasses all its kindred in the United States," declared Audubon. Seven states -- Illinois, Indiania, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia agree with Audubon. All have chosen this prince as their official state bird. Viola pedata is more commonly known in the Midwest as the Birdsfoot Violet. It is easily distinguishable from other Violet species because its leaves are cleft into segments resembling a bird's foot. The leaves and the flowers occur on separate stems. English literature is full of references to the Violet, where the poets often use it in reference to the gentler qualities of life. Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote exquisitely of the Violet: "Deep violets, you liken to the kindest eyes that look on you without a thought disloyal." Shakespeare's Violets are the flowers of vanishing youth; perhaps he means us to read in the Violet a message to seize life before it is gone.
Image Size: 10.25 x 12.75 in.
Overall Size: 19.25 x 21 in.
Unframed.
(B09799)
Condition
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