Gordon Beningfield (British, 1936 - 1998) "Sweet White Violet" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. 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. 29c Sweet White Violet stamp issued July 24, 1992. Sweet white violet is one of the smallest and most fragrant species of Viola. Prized for their sweet, delicate scents, violets have been used in perfumes and colognes for centuries. A bouquet of violets supposedly influences the recipient's thoughts. Found in rich, deciduous woods, the sweet white violet blooms from April to May. The dainty white flowers, attached to reddish stalks, are marked with purple veins on the lower petals. Butterflies and bees help fertilize the flowers. Fritillary butterflies also feed on the leaves. The tufts of hair or "beards" on the petals of many violets protect the flowers from crawling insects such as ants; only insects with long tongues can reach the nectar in the spurs of the petals. During a second spurt of growth in late summer, the leaves become mottled with light and dark green coloration. The plant produces more flowers, but these remain hidden and closed, and fertilize themselves without the need for insects. Image Size: 7 x 6 in. Overall Size: 11.5 x 10.5 in. Unframed. (B13145)