Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Great Seal of California" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This paintingis the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood Great Seal of the State of California Commemorative Cover issued September 9, 1984. "Eureka" -- "I have found it!" -- heads the Great State Seal of California. And truly, this state motto has been oft applied. For California has offered her people riches untold, not just in the tons of gold extracted from her soil, but also in the majesty of her mountains, the glory of her sea, and the warmth of her sun. Her state seal reflects all this as the Goddess Minerva emerges full grown from the brain of Jupiter -- symbol of the birth of the state without ever having gone through territoriality. As Goddess of Arts and Sciences, Minerva also honors wisdom. A Grizzly bear -- sign of strength and power -- crouches beneath her, eating ravenously from a grapevine -- fruit of the land. To her left, a miner with his tools recognizes the golden riches of the state, and the industry of its people, while a sheaf of wheat honors those who chose agricultural pursuit. A backdrop of glorious masted ships sailing peacefully among the towering Sierra Nevada Mountains gives due homage to the commerce and the natural blessings of California. Thirty-one stars recognize California's admission to the Union in 1850 as the thirty-first state. Image Size: 12 x 12 in. Overall Size: 15 x 15 in. Unframed. (B08661)