Chuck Ripper: Desert Monitor Lizard

Artist: Chuck Ripper
1929 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1992
Image Size: 12.75 by 14.75 inches
Overall Size: 14.75 by 17.75 inches
Medium: Gouche Water Color on Masonite

Dating back some 130 million years, monitors are among the oldest lizards. Although approximately 30 species of monitors are recognized, ranging from the giant Komodo dragons which attain lengths in excess of 10 feet to the short-tailed monitors that reach a maximum of eight inches, they nevertheless show remarkably little variation in form. All monitors are distinguished by long, slender necks and bodies and prominent eyes, making them appear sinuous and alert, which they are. Nasty creatures when cornered, monitors issue a warning to adversaries by opening their mouths, inflating their necks and loudly hissing. If this display does not deter an opponent, they turn and deliver well-aimed blows with their tails. But the monitors' greatest weapons are their razorsharp teeth and knife-like claws, which can inflict serious damage. Found in Africa and Asia, Desert Monitors grow nearly five feet long. Like all monitors, they are most active during the day after the sun has warmed their environment. They eat fish, frogs, birds, rats and snakes, but eggs of any kind are their favorite sustenance. Like many endangered species, Desert Monitors suffer at the hands of man. They are hunted for their meat and eggs. Chinese druggists extract oil from the Desert Monitors' organs to create various medicaments and amulets. And, to make matters worse, the skin of these magnificent lizards is highly prized as a leather.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.N. S7 Desert Monitor stamp issued March 3, 1993.

Artwork Copyright © 1992 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): XB14186

US$ Price: $2,700.00

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