Ivan Kozlov (Russian, B. 1937) "Red-Crested Pochard" Signed and dated ('90) lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This painting was originally published on a First Day Cover for a Russia Duck stamp issued July 1, 1990.
The Red-crested Pochard is a good-looking European duck, about the same size as the Mallard. Like all diving ducks, the Red-crested Pochard prefers to be out in the middle of its home waters and therefore is very easy to observe, though sometimes only through field glasses at great distances. In fact, this duck is now found solely on large, open expanses of water and will approach the banks only at nesting time, when it searches for the camouflaging thickets of reeds where it hides its nest. The handsome drake can be recognized by its vivid orangish-red bill and big red head, black chest and brown wings with orange and white markings. The plump brown hen sports crisp white cheek patches. This waterfowl breeds extensively in Eurasia and its playful courtship antics delight duck enthusiasts in the USSR, making this bird the perfect choice to grace a Soviet postage stamp. Ivan Koslov's beautiful stamp design and handsome cachet art faithfully record the essence of this lively bird. The cachet features a mated pair of Red-crested Pochards descending toward the marshy banks of their Soviet lake habitat. These birds' powerful wings are a focal point of the picture and the hen's legs, extended for a landing, are clearly set far back on her body, attesting to the fact that the Red-crest is a diving duck. The position of the legs makes the duck awkward on land, but contributes greatly to its maneuverability under the water.
Image Size: 6.75 x 5.75 in.
Overall Size: 9.75 x 7.75 in.
Unframed.
(B12461)
Condition
- By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions.
- All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via wire transfer or cashier’s check, no other forms of payment will be accepted.
- All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances.
- Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.
- Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com
- We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly.
- Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live.