John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "African Fish Eagle" Signed lower right. Oil on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 13c Official Mail stamp issued January 12, 1983. Myths, man's earliest answers to the mysteries of the unknown, are fraught with the image of the powerful and noble eagle. For example, the mythological Ai Toyon, creator of light, took the form of a huge, radiant two-headed eagle, perched at the very tip of the "world tree." In addition, people of ancient Siberia believed that the gods sent an eagle to teach heaven's secrets to mankind. Unfortunately, humans failed to understand the fierce bird's screams. Discouraged, but not dissuaded from his mission, the bird plummeted from the sky and picked up a woman in his talons. Later, from their union, was born the first human intermediary between earth and heaven, the first shaman. These are just two of many enchanting examples of eagles in mythology. It is a compelling legacy and one that lives on in the modern world as men and nations take the eagle as their noble emblem. The elegant African Fish Eagle appears in this artwork. This bird is a reminder of the beauty and grace of the world's eagles. Image Size: 18 x 15.5 in. Overall Size: 23.75 x 20 in. Unframed. (B07845)