Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Monaco" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood Monaco Mint Stamp of the World Panel in 1986. The symbols of Monaco go back for hundreds of years, although there have been many variations depending in part on the prevailing artistic canons of the era. The central shield is a distinctive pattern of white and red lozenges, unique among national coats of arms. It is surrounded by the collar of the Order of St. Charles, the country's highest award. The background of the design features an ermine mantle or pavilion, fringed in gold and backed by red velvet, which is capped at the top by the princely crown. The two monks who act as supporters of the shield and the Latin motto Deo Juvante, meaning, "With God's Help," refer to the traditional story that the progenitors of the ruling Grimaldi family seized the fortress of Monaco by entering disguised as monks. The flag of the ruling prince is white with the coat of arms in the center; this flag is also used on government buildings and by the Monegasque diplomatic service. According to an old European heraldic practice, the national flag of Monaco contains stripes of the principal colors found on the shield. Elegantly simple, the flag of Monaco was officially adopted on April 4, 1881. Image Size: 24 x 15.75 in. Overall Size: 27.5 x 22 in. Unframed. (B10483)