Gene Jarvis: Giraffe

Artist: Gene Jarvis
1921 - 1990
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1981
Image Size: 9.5 by 9 inches
Overall Size: 12.75 by 12.5 inches
Medium: Pen & Ink on Hot Press Illustration Board

With detached aplomb, the world's tallest animal spreads his forelegs wide apart, tucks his head between his legs, and takes a drink. Then he stands upright, snapping his heels together like a soldier coming to attention. Any variation from this ritual would cause the towering Giraffe to topple over. Thus his stance, awkward though it may appear, is a practical necessity for this great creature. Aside from this minor disadvantage, the Giraffe's 12-foot-long neck is vital to his well being. It gives him a wide field of view of any impending dangers, plus the ability to reach the highest leaf on the Acacia tree, his main food source. Aside from being the tallest animals in the world, the Giraffe competes with the rhino for the honor of being the third largest in bulk. A large bull Giraffe weighs two tons; a cow, some two or three feet shorter than her mate, weighs about 1200 pounds. Though Giraffes are sociable creatures, their herds are seldom large. Rarely are there more than fifteen Giraffes together. When seen in herds, these handsome animals with their vivid brown and yellowing coloring, seem to be posing. They may stand with their long necks turned in the same direction, or face each with such perfect symmetry they appear to be forming an arch. Chocolate brown eyes, long eyelashes and velvety hair all enhance the Giraffe's unique beauty, making him one of the most photographed beasts of the African bush. A sudden movement can send him off at a rapid gallop, often at speeds up 35 m.p.h.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the South-west Africa Giraffe stamp issued October 1, 1980.

Artwork Copyright © 1981 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): XB07418

US$ Price: $950.00

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