Gene Jarvis: Hartmann's Mountain Zebra

Artist: Gene Jarvis
1921 - 1990
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1981
Image Size: 9.5 by 9 inches
Overall Size: 12.75 by 12.5 inches
Medium: Pen & Ink on Hot Press Illustration Board

The unmistakable stripes of South Africa's Hartmann's Mountain Zebras flash across the semi-arid savannahs. Always searching for choice grasslands, they travel in family groups of seven to twelve. These "Tiger Horses" are sociable animals, often combining family groups into large herds. Since their stark black and white stripes afford no protective camouflage in the open plains, Zebras often associate with ostriches, whose long necks make them effective lookouts. Given the slightest cause, members of the herd will stampede. When nearing a water hole at sundown, a lone scout is sent ahead of the troop to check for possible ambush from lions, their enemies. While a lion evokes sheer terror in a single Zebra, an entire herd has little to fear. The lion quickly retreats from a massed herd's flailing hoofs and bared teeth. Such vicious retaliation makes them powerful opponents, and the lion is no match for them. However, Zebras are basically docile and rarely attack except in self-defense. Because they are good natured, attempts to domesticate Zebras in the past have been successful. Ancient Romans exhibited them in circuses. European colonists used them as horses. The South African mail service even used them to draw mail coaches. However, no consistent efforts have been made to tame these extraordinary animals, and they usually roam freely throughout the African savannahs.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the South-west Africa Zebra stamp issued October 1, 1980.

Artwork Copyright © 1981 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB07420

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