John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "Golden Eagle" Signed lower right. Oil on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Official Mail Envelope issued January 12, 1983. Nearly always, the proud eagle has been just the sort of symbol kings, emperors and nations favor and, for this reason, has often been used as their emblem. To this day, the national seal of Mexico bears the figure of an eagle devouring a serpent which symbolizes to the people of that nation the triumph of good over evil. Other nations, including Egypt and Persia, have lifted the eagle high as part of their battle standards. One of the few times when the eagle was portrayed in a less than favorable light was in the legend of Ganymede which exaggerated the bird's ability to carry off prey. In this story the eagle actually took to the sky with children in its talons! In reality, however, even the powerful Golden Eagle can lift no more than eight pounds. Still, with its fearsome gaze and soaring flight, it is little wonder that the eagle continues to be a favorite emblem of kings and nations to this very day. Image Size: 18.25 x 15.5 in. Overall Size: 23.75 x 20 in. Unframed. (B07815)