Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Haunted Mansion" 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 Combination Cover for the U.S. 32c Movie Monsters stamps issued September 30, 1997. "His eyes are ghastly beads in which there is no light ... little holes in a grinning skull. His skin is like leprous parchment, yellow skin strung tight over protruding bones. His nose ... there is no nose." For the reader of horror fiction, Gaston Leroux's nightmarish description of the Phantom from his classic novel, The Phantom of the Opera, evokes heart-pounding terror. Equally disturbing is the frightful diatribe of the hideous monster from Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus, "If I can't inspire love, I will cause fear!" Monster lore has fascinated and captivated mankind for centuries. From the eerie mummification practices of ancient Egypt, to vampire and werewolf myths, people of various cultures have revelled in stories of fearful creatures and supernatural beings. Image Size: 21 x 18 in. Overall Size: 21.75 x 19 in. Unframed. (B15816)