Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Monarch Butterfly" 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 First Day Cover for the U.S. Wildlife of the 50 States 22c Monarch Butterfly/Illinois stamp issued June 13, 1987.
Monarch Butterflies are perhaps the best known and most familiar butterflies in North America. All summer long, Monarch Butterflies are seen basking in the warm sunshine. As they take flight, their orange and black wings glow brightly against the sky. Monarchs do not fear attacks by birds as many butterflies do, for they are protected by an acrid odor which causes potential predators to avoid them. As summer turns to autumn, Monarchs gather together for their long journey south. They fly thousands of miles to Mexico -- enabling them to survive the winter. The colorful autumn travelers look like a mantle of orange and gold moving across the countryside as they make their way south. Later, with the coming of spring , the Monarch Butterflies will again head north to complete their amazing migratory cycle. Looking somewhat faded, the female Monarchs search out milkweed plants so they can lay their eggs. Milkweed is the sole food source for Monarch Butterfly young. Soon after egg-laying is accomplished, the Monarch Butterflies die, leaving their young to color the countryside.
Image Size: 13.5 x 14.5 in.
Overall Size: 14 x 17 in.
Unframed.
(B10675)
Condition
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