Dean Ellis (1920 - 2009) "History of the Marshall Islands Evacuation of Bikini for A-Bomb Tests" Titled lower margin. Original Tempera painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 55c Bikini (Pikinni) Atoll Evacuated for Nuclear Testing, 1946 stamp issued May 2, 1996. Immediately following World War II, America recognized the need to understand the effects of atomic weapons. Needing a location to conduct "safe" atomic tests, it selected Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. These tests, code named Operation Crossroads, assumed the size of a wartime campaign -- involving 242 ships and 42,000 military and technical personnel. Designated Able Day, July 1, 1946, witnessed the first Bikini nuclear test. Although the explosive damage of the bomb was frightening, it was the deadly radioactive residue left in the target area that was most destructive. Over the next 12 years, 23 atomic devices would be detonated at Bikini Atoll, turning the once-beautiful island into a nuclear nightmare. Bikini's 160 residents had been persuaded to relocate "temporarily" while the testing was conducted. It was the beginning of an odyssey that still continues 50 years later. Image Size: 8.5 x 15 Overall Size: 10.5 x 16.75 in. Unframed. (B15305)