Gherman Alexeyvich Komlev (Russian, 1933 - 2000) "Mississippi River Bridge" Likely Eads Bridge (St. Louis). Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas laid on Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the 2c Mississippi River Bridge stamp issued June 18, 1998. Famous author Mark Twain fondly reminisced about his experiences as a riverboat captain on the mighty Mississippi in Life on the Mississippi, "...the shining river, winding here and there and yonder, its sweep interrupted at intervals by clusters of wooded islands threaded by silver channels; and you have glimpses of distant villages, asleep upon capes; and of stealthy rafts slipping along in the shade of the forest walls; and of white steamers vanishing around remote points." Twain's beloved waterway meanders past many towns and cities, of which the largest is St. Louis. In the early 19th century, St. Louis served as the seat of government for the Territory of Louisiana and the Territory of Missouri. A crossroads of westward expansion and outfitting point for parties traveling the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails, the city became known as America's Gateway to the West. On August 20, 1867, engineer James Eads began constructing a triple-arch steel bridge across the Mississippi at St. Louis. On July 4, 1874, Eads Bridge officially opened amidst great fanfare and celebration. It was the world's largest bridge -- over 1,500 feet long! Eads' achievement was recognized around the world and he became the first American engineer to be awarded the Albert Medal of the Royal Society of Arts in London. Even more important, his magnificent creation confirmed St. Louis' sobriquet by providing a reliable and economical means of transporting goods across the unpredictable waters of the Mississippi. Image Size: 10 x 20.5 in. Overall Size: 12.5 x 22.75 in. Unframed. (B16012) See More