Dean Ellis (New York, 1920 - 2009) "Roman God Mars" Signed lower right. Original oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 50c Mars stamp issued July 20, 1994. Named for the Roman god of war -- the legendary father of Romulus and Remus through Rhea Silvia -- the planet Mars has a brilliant red color that symbolizes fire and blood. Ancient philosophers believed this planet to be the cause of dissension, strife, quarrels and battles. A number of space missions to Mars have made the planet nearly as familiar to us as the Moon. Huge dust storms occur there, causing wind erosion and sedimentation. Although water doesn't exist on Mars as a liquid, large amounts of ice cover its north pole. Seasons on the red planet are twice as long as those on Earth because the Martian orbital period is two years. This spectacular painting depicts Mars' astrological sign symbolizing courage and invincibility, and captures the Roman god Mars with a spear and shield about to go into battle. Image Size: 12.75 x 15.75 in. Overall Size: 15.75 x 18.75 in. Unframed. (B14594)