Peter Barrett (British, B. 1935) "Appaloosa Horse" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board.
Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 22c Appaloosa stamp issued September 25, 1985.
The cradle of the modern-day horse lies in North America, for it was here that the ancestors of the modern day horse first evolved. These ancient horses eventually migrated over existing land bridges to Europe and Asia. However, for reasons not fully understood, the horse became extinct on its native American continent during the Ice Age. The horse did not reappear on American soil again until Spanish explorers brought horses with them on their discovery journeys. Some of these horses escaped and formed wild herds which were later domesticated by the American Indians. The Nez Perce Indian tribe of Idaho domesticated, and actually preserved, what may be one of the oldest breeds of horses -- the colorful and spotted Appaloosa. Prized by the Indians for their unique markings, as well as their speed and hardiness, the Appaloosa horses were often owned exclusively by chiefs and the bravest of warriors. Interestingly, the Nez Perce Appaloosa was strikingly similar in markings to an ancient breed of horse seen in early Chinese and Persian art forms. Their ancestors probably reached Europe by way of Asia and were then taken to Mexico by Spanish explorers, eventually migrating north to the Nez Perce Indians. Although it is likely that the purity of the Appaloosa has been preserved through centuries of migration, the horse was not recognized as an official breed until 1938. Today, the beautiful Appaloosa horse is one of America's most popular pleasure and show horses.
Image Size: 12 x 10 in.
Overall Size: 18.5 x 16.25 in.
Unframed. (B09727)
Condition
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