Erik Nitsche (Swiss, 1908 - 1998) "Christmas -- Tree Boughs" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Canada Christmas stamps issued October 23, 1985. For thousands of years, various types of beautiful greenery have been symbols of regeneration and life's indestructibility. Evergreens, holly, and mistletoe were sacred to the ancient Romans, and flowers and greenery were part of the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. Even today, at times of great joy and celebration, family homes and houses of worship are decorated with boughs and branches, trees and flowering bushes. Christmas inspires the most extravagant decorations of all. The world proclaims the merry season as houses are bedecked with holly and pine, with mistletoe and poinsettias, and, perhaps the most notable Christmas greenery -- the Christmas Tree. The varied greenery which adds a special gaiety to the Christmas season. Image Size: 14 x 12 in. Overall Size: 20 x 15 in. Unframed. (B09891)