Gene Jarvis: Barbary Ape

Artist: Gene Jarvis
1921 - 1990
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1982
Image Size: 9.5 by 9 inches
Overall Size: 12.75 by 12.5 inches
Medium: Pen & Ink on Hot Press Illustration Board

In Algeria's jungle canopy, the Barbary Ape flings itself from tree to tree with reckless abandon, arresting its flight by hooking elongate hands around a limb or vine, then hurling itself forward again. While this energetic primate seems best suited for the jungle, a small colony exists on Gibraltar that has become quite famous. These animals are the only wild monkeys in Europe. Rather than being a true ape, the Barbary is actually a species of monkey with no tail, a relative of the common rhesus monkey of India. Scientists believe that the Barbary Ape once lived throughout England. Thus, this monkey long ago became a symbol of the British presence in Gibraltar. Legend holds that the Barbary Apes warned the British of a surprise attack by the Spanish and therefore, as long as the Barbary Apes live on the peninsula, the British will not lose control of the Rock of Gibraltar. For this reason, Barbary Apes are allowed to roam throughout Gibraltar under the protection of the British government. In fact, in respect to the apes, England now imports Barbary Apes from North Africa whenever a crisis arises concerning Gibraltar. Today the herd numbers anywhere from thirty to forty and an "office in charge of apes" and an elisted man are responsible for the animals' well-being. The monkey are under the jurisdiction of the war ministry -- records are kept -- and money is alloted to feed each Ape.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Algeria 1,40 Barbary Ape stamp issued September 17, 1981.

Artwork Copyright © 1982 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB06279

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