Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Mockingbird" Signed middle 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 published on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the limited edition collection of The Songbirds of the Fifty States.
Each cover was postmarked on the anniversary of statehood in the appropriate state capital. Deep in the South, the songs of the Mockingbird can be heard filling the air of a summer's evening with joyous sounds and lilting notes. This lovely bird was once named by the Indians "four hundred tongues" because of its ability to mimic so many different tones. And yet, researchers have determined that perhaps the most wonderful of all is the Mockingbird's own song. Not shy, Mockingbirds revel in singing their distinctive theme over and over again. Tiring of that, they may turn to the songs of some thirty-nine other birds, or produce one of fifty or more bird calls, or even imitate a nearby frog or cricket sound. In fact, Mockingirds have been known to recreate such sounds as squeaky gate hinges, dogs barking, or the whistle of a happy human passing below them. However, the cheerfulness of the Mockingbird generally ends with his song, as unfortunate pets, people and even other Mockingbirds will attest. For, the Mockingbird is a highly territorial creature, and will fight fiercely to repel trespassers.
Image Size: 8.5 x 8.75 in.
Overall Size: 18 x 18 in.
Unframed.
(B06769)
Condition
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