Chuck Ripper (American, B. 1929) "Humboldt's Penguins" Signed lower right. Original Gouache Water Color 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 Fleetwood First Day Cover for the United Nations s7 Humboldt's Penguin stamp issued March 3, 1993.

Also called the Peruvian Penguin, the Humboldt's Penguin is a rare bird indeed. Unlike most penguins -- which are residents of bitterly cold Antarctic regions -- the Humboldt's Penguin is found almost solely along the coast of South America, as its other name would suggest. Interestingly, the Humboldt's Penguin has evolved unique methods of adapting to tropical heat. Compared to Antarctic penguins, it has very sparse plumage and even completely bare spots to permit heat loss. The thick layer of subcutaneous fat found in other penguins is far thinner in the Humboldt's Penguin, which also has increased blood supply to certain areas of the skin, enhancing heat radiation. This fascinating bird formerly thrived in the cold waters of the Humboldt Current off the coast of South America. Nutrient-rich, these waters support large quantities of fish -- including the anchovies and pilchards which are the Humboldt's Penguin's favorite food. But despite the ability to breed all year, Humboldt's Penguin populations have been declining at an alarming rate. Human interference with nest sites, egg removal and habitat reduction caused by guano collection have all taken their toll. Today this bird faces yet another human threat. Commercial fisheries are removing anchovies and pilchards in large numbers, reducing the food supply and adding stress to the penguin's already tenuous grip on survival.

Image Size: 14.75 x 12.25 in.
Overall Size: 17.75 x 14.75 in.
Unframed.
(B14188)

- By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions.

- All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted.

- All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances.

- Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.

- Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com

- We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please email us directly.

- Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live.

- Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing.

17.75 x 14.75 in