John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "African Fish Eagle" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 14c Official Mail Postal Card issued February 26, 1985. The grandeur of eagles has inspired men since the Stone Age when drawings of eagles first appeared in European caves. Indeed, the eagle is so respected that it is used as a symbol for everything from the seals of great nations to the human soul. And rightly so, for the eagle is the most majestic of all birds. Few if any other birds dare challenge this royal monarch of the skies, for while normally peaceful, the eagle is capable of defending his territory with frightful authority. Devoted parents, eagles carefully tend their young and share in the responsibilities for feeding and guarding the eaglets. The African Fish Eagle, depicted on this artwork, is one of the most striking of all eagles. Similar in appearance to the Bald Eagle, the Fish Eagle has a white head and breast but lacks the Bald Eagle's white tail. A native of the tropical regions of Africa, the African Fish Eagle is skilled at catching fish while skimming above the surface of rivers and lakes. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 18 in. Unframed. (B09488) See More