Keith Reynolds (American, B. 1929) "Cargo Vessels" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.N. 28c Trade and Development stamp issued June 6, 1983. For thousands of years, families all over the world produced most of the things they needed themselves. They grew or hunted their own food, made their own tools and utensils, built their own homes, and made their own clothes. Later, men learned that they could have more and better goods and services by specializing and trading with others. As civilization advanced, exchanges became so common that some men ... eventually known as merchants ... did nothing but conduct trade. The most famous early land-merchants were the Babylonians and later, the Arabs. These traders carried their goods across the land on foot or rode donkeys or camels. In contrast, the Phoenicians became the chief sea-traders of ancient times ... shipping loads of cargo and goods across the briny deep. Today, sea-trade is a multi-billion dollar business, and is completely modernized. Gigantic cargo vessels ... such as those featured on this artwork ... can transport huge quantities of goods across the sea. Image Size: 15.75 x 13.75 in. Overall Size: 20 x 16 in. Unframed. (B08068)