Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Italy" Signed lower right. Original watercolor painting on Illustration Board.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This painting is the original which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the U.N. 20c Italy Flags of the U.N. Series stamp issued September 21, 1984.
For many years, the history of Italy was the history of western civilization. Centered in the capital, Rome, the Romans built an extensive empire which included much of Europe and the Mediterranean area. The Roman Catholic Church also began in Rome . . . and the administrative center of the Church and residence of the Pope -- Vatican City -- is located at the heart of the ancient city of Rome. For more than two thousand years, Italy has produced leaders in architecture, painting, sculpture and other fine arts. Great Italian artists include Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. The Renaissance of the arts, literature and music began and reached its highest peak in Italy . . . and during that time the city of Venice became the economic center of the Mediterranean. Known at the height of its power as the "Queen of the Adriatic," this romantic city of canals and gondolas supported successful explorers like Marco Polo. Because of the country's rich history and interesting cities like Rome and Venice, the nation has become the tourist center of modern Europe. Visitors from around the world come to see the buried city of Pompeii, to relax on the warm sunny beaches of the Mediterranean or to ski in the towering Alps and Apennines of the northern part of the country. A nation rich in history and culture and a favorite vacation spot for all of Europe -- the beautiful nation of Italy continues to be an enchanting and delightful gem of the Mediterranean Sea.
Image Size: 14.75 x 12.25 in.
Overall Size: 17 x 15 in.
Unframed.
(B08742)
Condition
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