Don Balke: Red Fox

Artist: Don Balke
1932 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1978
Image Size: 14.5 by 13.5 inches
Overall Size: 17 by 14 inches
Medium: Water Color on Cold Press Illustration Board

The Red Fox is one of the world's most talked-about animals. Rust-red coat, white-tipped tail, black ears, legs and nose mark him one of nature's handsomest. The red color for which he is known is purest from the top of the head to the middle of the back. During Aesop's time the fox was the epitome of craftiness and cunning, and he figures into countless legends and fables. Reynard, as medieval poets named his European counterpart, is a wily master at losing dogs. In the hunt, he doubles back, sidetracks, skips along fence tops, dashes over thin ice. When pressed, he will hide in a chimney or kitchen stove. In freshly fallen snow the Red Fox's tail sweeps the snow behind it purposely erasing its tracks so no enemy can follow. However, much of the so-called cleverness attributed to the Red Fox is really due to its great anxiety and shyness. A versatile hunter as well, the Red Fox feeds on anything from fawns to snails, but dines mostly on field mice, cottontails and berries. Accounts of foxes attacking hen houses are well known, but geese and aggressive roosters are seldom bothered. Occasionally, a fox falls prey to a coyote, wolf or eagle, and rabies take their toll, but man and dog cause him the most worry. Farmers bent on avenging poultry losses, and trappers capitalizing on the increased value of fox pelts, harry this sly creature who, in many parts of North America, is considered an endangered species.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. 13¢ Red Fox stamp issued June 10, 1978.

Artwork Copyright © 1978 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): XB05051

US$ Price: $1,250.00

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