Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Shepherd Seeing Star of Bethlehem" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Christmas stamp issued October 28, 1981. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the Angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11). Through the centuries, the events and miracles associated with the life of Christ were witnessed, remembered, and retold for generations to come. An excellent example is Italian Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli's rendition of the Madonna and Child which brilliantly brings forth the deep mutual love Mother and Child feel for one another. Indeed, exemplary of Botticelli's tendency toward naturalism in art, this particular Madonna and Child tempera-on-panel portrait is one of the loveliest and most heartwarming paintings ever created. Today few painters are more popular than Botticelli. His paintings are distinctive for their clear, rhythmic line, delicate color, lavish decoration, and poetic feeling. This moving portrayal of the Madonna and Child by Botticelli now hangs in the Chicago Art Institute in Chicago, Illinois. The Botticelli: Art Institute of Chicago United States Christmas stamp featured on this First Day Cover was issued in Chicago on October 28, 1981. Image Size: 14 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 14.75 in. Unframed. (B07415)