Jim Butcher (American, B. 1944) "Trimming the Tree" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting 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 Seasons Greetings stamp issued October 28, 1982. Trimming a tree for Christmas is a wonderful tradition that comes from ancient Rome. But, the use of ornate Christmas tree decorations originated in sixteenth century Germany. There, trees were hung with gilded nuts, fresh apples, delicate sugar figures, and carefully made dolls and shepherds. It was Queen Victoria's German husband, Prince Albert, that first introduced this heartwarming custom to England, and in 1841, the royal family celebrated the holidays around a gigantic Christmas tree beautifully decorated with wax tapers and sweetmeats. It wasn't until 1860 that fragile glass trinkets began to replace the tasty edible ornaments. Again, it was the sentimental Germans that took the lead. Humble peasants in central Germany worked at the primitive industry in their own small cottages. The father carefully blew the intricate figures from molten glass, while the rest of the family took pleasure in colorfully painting them with fancy designs. Today's tree may be less mouthwatering than those once trimmed with sweets, but permanent ornaments do have one great advantage: around a familiar star or angel, a family can build up its own traditions year after year. As depicted in the painting in this artwork, the magical thrill of trimming the family Christmas tree with glittering decorations is a delightful task that children anxiously look forward to throughout the entire year. Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in. Overall Size: 24.5 x 22 in. Unframed. (B07724)