Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Eagle Carvings" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day of Cover for the U.S. E-Series Official Mail stamp which issued March 22, 1988. Flying free and proud, the American eagle soars above the plains. In her magnificent flight, she captures the spirit of a nation. For, from the very days when America's liberty was formed, the strength and pride of the eagle has been a guiding force. And, in 1782, the eagle was chosen as a symbol of the budding republic. Even in folk art, America reflects the influence of this majestic bird. In the early 1800's as the towns of New England forged a living from the sea, woodcarvings of the eagle often led her ships to bountiful catches and safe ports. Crafting figureheads out of wood became an art and the eagle, carved in fine detail, was a favorite subject. All along the Atlantic seaboard, masters of the craft set up shops near the shipyards, as ship captains sought the best of their designs. The carvings soon came to be used on stem board and mast board, and to adorn furniture and interior and exterior architectural elements, too. And thus, the American eagle was portrayed in many artful forms. One of the carvings depicted on this painting features a beautifully streamlined figurehead, and the art offers a likeness of a New England ship captain who might have bought it. Image Size: 15.75 x 13.25 in. Overall Size: 22 x 29.25 in. Unframed. (B11492)