Peter Barrett (B. 1935) "Appaloosa" Signed lower right. Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Maximum Card for the U.S. 22c Appaloosa stamp issued September 25, 1985. Although horses originally evolved in North America and then migrated to other parts of the world, they became extinct on the 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 domesticated, and actually preserved, what may be one of the oldest breeds of horses - the colorful and spotted Appaloosa. This unusual horse was prized by the Indians for its unique markings as well as its speed and hardiness. Interestingly, the Nez Perce Appaloosa was strikingly similar to the markings of 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. Image Size: 8.5 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 11.5 x 15.25 in. Unframed. (B09720)