R.G. Finney (Wyoming, B. 1941) "Cheetah" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 55c Cheetah mint stamp issued March 8, 1997. The cheetah is best known for being the fastest of all the land mammals capable of attaining speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour! However, it displays other characteristics that make it unique not only among big cats, but in the entire cat family. Most notable is the cheetah's inability to retract its claws, as it lacks the protective sheaths possessed by all other cats. It is also considered to possess certain canine traits such as a greyhound-like build, an inability to climb trees and the ease with which it can be tamed and trained. The cheetah once inhabited the savannas and semi-deserts of Africa and Asia from Morocco to India. It is believed that this big cat is probably Asian in origin since no fossil remains have been found in Africa. Sadly, it is now extinct in much of its former range. Size: 12 x 12 in. Unframed. (B15295)