Dean Ellis (New York, 1920 - 2009) "Marine Life of Palau" Signed lower left. Original Tempera Painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Fleetwood Mint Stamps of the World Collectors Panel for the Marine Life of Palau stamps issued in 1985. The magnificent waters of Palau are home to numerous species of mollusks with shells of striking beauty and color. Formed from mineral salts absorbed by the animal, each shell is a unique specimen that can never be duplicated. Size, color, texture and shape are determined by the mollusk species itself, what it feeds on, and its particular marine habitat. Seashells are still used in time-honored ways as jewelry, decorative ornaments and tools, and are often prized by collectors all over the world for their diversity and elegant beauty. Image Size: 21.5 x 17 in. Overall Size: 24 x 19.5 in. Unframed. (B09943)