Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Santa Village/Child with Toys" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. The merry, generous spirit of the Christmas season is demonstrated by Americans in many ways -- through joyful yet reverent religious observances, brightly-decorated streetlights and home fronts, and gift-giving. In many western countries, mythological figures visit homes on moonlit nights during the yuletide season and leave presents for each slumbering inhabitant. In the United States, this figure is Santa Claus, a fictional character originally based on a bishop of the early Christian church. The kindly Nicholas often strolled his village streets at night and left presents for children on their doorsteps. For many centuries, the anniversary of his death was celebrated throughout Europe on December 6 with feasting and merrymaking. Over the next several centuries, this figure appeared in many other incarnations: Europe's Christkindli or the Christ Child, England's Father Christmas and, ultimately, America's Santa Claus. Irrepressibly jolly and unfailingly punctual, Santa visits every home each Christmas Eve to bring its children their hearts' desires -- perhaps new bicycles or playthings such as the intricate riverboat toy featured in this painting. Image Size: 14 x 12.25 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 14.75 in. Unframed. (B06531) See More