Gene Jarvis: Polar Bear

Artist: Gene Jarvis
1921 - 1990
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1978
Image Size: 9.5 by 9 inches
Overall Size: 12.75 by 12.5 inches
Medium: Pen & Ink on Hot Press Illustration Board

The massive Polar Bear makes his home on the ice floes of the Arctic Circle, having evolved characteristics perfectly suited to the harsh environs of Arctic life. Like a duck, water literally runs off the thick, oily fur of the Polar Bear's back. This and his giant webbed paws make his life on the ice floes possible. On land, the hair-covered soles of his feet serve as insulation, and guard against slips as he stalks his prey. Stealthily creeping on his belly toward an unsuspecting seal, the Polar Bear is nearly invisible in his thick white coat. Occasionally, when cover for a surprise attack cannot be found, the bear cleverly covers his telltale nose and eyes with a white paw and becomes virtually unseen against an ice background. The bear frequently swims underwater, springs atop the ice, and swings a powerful paw to devour a stunned seal. This paw, a formidable hunting weapon, provides the bear's main means of attack. Though most of these carnivorous beasts rove continually in search of food, some Polar Bears are known to remain in one locale throughout their lives. They maintain dens for retreat from severe winters, and year after year seek out the same den. In this natural habitat, the Polar Bear's curiousity is greater than his fear of man, which causes him to needlessly expose himself to danger. Although they have little value as food, the Polar Bear has been slaughtered by man for his fur, adding this magestic white creature to the ever-growing list of endangered species.

This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the USSR 16K Polar Bear stamp issued December 16, 1977.

Artwork Copyright © 1978 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): XB05444

US$ Price: $950.00

Easy Purchase Plan: Buy this ArtworkOriginal with 8 monthly payments. Payments will be charged automatically as due to your Credit Card.

How to buy Original Artwork:

If you would like to buy Original Artwork, there are several convenient ways:

Use The Artwork Gallery: simply click the "Hang in Gallery" for pictures of interest. This puts the picture in your Personal Artwork Gallery, where you can view or remove it. When you've finished hanging artwork in your Personal Artwork Gallery, Go to your Personal Artwork Gallery and select an option for contacting us or ordering from us from there.

To get in touch with us directly about a piece of Artwork by Phone note the SKU and dial TOLL FREE 1-800-287-4079 from throughout U.S. and Canada.