Shannon Stirnweis (American, B. 1931) "Philip Mazzei & Ben Franklin" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which was published on a Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Italy 3.20 lire Philip Mazzei stamp issued on October 18, 1980. Like young men in every century, 26-year-old surgeon Philip Mazzei decided in 1752 that the profession for which he had been trained simply did not satisfy him. A merchant at heart, he quit his surgical practice and moved to London, where he organized Martini and Company, importers of cheese, wine and olive oil. Who could have guessed that this change would affect the course of American history? For in London, Mazzei met Benjamin Franklin, who persuaded the young man to move to the American colonies and introduce his southern European products there. Before sailing for Virginia, Mazzei returned to his native Tuscany to ask permission of the duke of that province to export the necessary materials and men. He also delivered two Franklin Stoves which the Duke had ordered from Franklin. Upon arriving in Virginia, Mazzei bought a parcel of land near the present Shadwell Station, about four miles east of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. He and Jefferson became firm friends. Soon, his agricultural pursuits were overshadowed by his growing commitment to the cause of American freedom. He risked imprisonment for publishing his pro-independence views in both America and Europe. At the first sign of actual fighting, Mazzei enlisted in the "Independent Company" of Albemarle. Virginia Governor Patrick Henry thwarted his later efforts to join the Continental Army, though, persuading him that he could serve his adopted country far better with his pen than he could with his sword. Image Size: 17.75 x 15.25 in. Overall Size: 20.5 x 17.5 in. Unframed. (B06652)