David K. Stone (American, 1922 - 2001) "Germans Occupy Paris" Original Oil painting on Masonite. Signed lower right. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 45c Occupation of Paris 1940 stamp issued June 14, 1990. The fall of France and the German occupation of Paris were so rapid and total, the world stood literally in shock. Less than a month after German Panzers broke into France, Paris was declared an open city. The government fled to Tours, while nearly two million Parisian refugees clogged the roads and hampered the fighting. Not a shot was fired as the Germans moved into "The City of Lights" on June 14. Hitler was ecstatic with his success, his delight captured as he "danced the jig" in the famous but fraudulent photos, and the few Parisians left in the city watched in defeat as German soldiers goose-stepped down the Champs Elys?es. Image Size: 18 x 20.75 in. Overall Size: 24 x 26.75 in. Unframed. (B12436)