Keith Bowen (UK, B. 1950) "Fallow Deer" Signed lower right. Original First Day Cover Illustration. Chalk on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the Great Britain 18p Wintertime Fallow Deer stamp issued January 14, 1992. Fallow deer roamed throughout Central Europe prior to the last glacial period. But as the ice receded, so did the fallow deer, occurring primarily in Asia Minor until ancient times. When enterprising Phoenicians returned from ventures deep into Asia Minor, they brought back the fallow deer and introduced the animal to the Mediterranean countries. As Roman legions expanded the empire in Britain and northwestern Europe, its citizens reintroduced the fallow deer to its original habitat. Today this extremely adaptable creature is widely distributed throughout Europe and thrives on other continents as well. A handsome animal of stately form, the fallow deer requires keen senses of smell and hearing to survive in the wild, but its sense of sight is astoundingly acute. While most species of deer cannot see a motionless person, the fallow deer -- like man and cognate primates -- can. This acuity is one of its best survival tools, for it enables the animal to elude predators, whether beast or man. Fallow deer are herd animals, with the females and offspring congregating in one group and the males in another. The mating season begins in October, and the fawns appear in late May. Unlike other species of deer young, fallow deer fawns do not lose their spots, for the adults are usually spotted as well. Image Size: 18 x 21 in. Overall Size: 23.5 x 25.75 in. Unframed. (B13558) See More