Ivan Kozlov (Russian, B. 1937) "Northern Shoveler" Signed and dated ('91) lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the First Day Cover for the USSR 10R Northern Shoveler stamp issued July 1, 1991. Since time immemorial, the sweeping vistas of the Soviet Union and the United States have harbored immense treasures of waterfowl. With the 1991 USSR Duck Stamp, the Soviet Union honors one of its many species the distinctively-hued Northern Shoveler, common to the USSR as well as to the United States. The prominent bill of the Northern Shoveler serves a very important purpose, despite its almost comical appearance. The Northern Shoveler scrapes mud and muck from shallow water with its bill, then carefully sifts the mud and water through the lamellae -- or "teeth" -- which fringe its mandibles. Small particles of food do not pass through, however, and are consumed. Image Size: 6.25 x 8.75 in. Overall Size: 7.75 x 10.25 in. Unframed. (B12913)