Chris Calle: Carousel Animals/Horse with Carved Angel

Artist: Chris Calle
1961 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1988
Image Size: 12.25 by 14.125 inches
Overall Size: 17.5 by 20.25 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Cold Press Illustration Board

The beauty of the carousel transcends time and takes most of us immediately back to childhood. But, in fact, the carousel -- all gilt and glitter -- goes back much farther than that, emerging from ancient sports arenas. The roots of the magnificent carousel we think of today trace back to the Byzantine empire in 500 A.D. Then, "riders" held on to ropes bound to a central pole and were spun around roughly by mere centrifugal force. Centuries later, Arabian horsemen displayed their skill in a "live" version of the carousel. Called "carosellos," the game they played upon their mounts tested hand-eye coordination, as well as riding skill. They tossed clay eggs filled with perfume back and forth until the loser was doused in the female fragrance. In France, great noblemen -- astride their mounts -- lanced small rings suspended from colorful ribbons, thrilling the crowd with their skill. To practice, they constructed a machine to spin the riders past a practice ring. Thus began the carousel and the celebrated tradition of the desirable "brass ring." In England, the "merry-go-round" attracted rich and poor alike as steam-powered carousels came into their own. And, once introduced in America, the carousel became a fabulous ride, with ornate decorations, happy music, and all of the showmanship creative Americans could give it. Today, scarcely a carnival or amusement park across the fifty states can be found that does not feature -- prominently -- a carousel merry-go-round.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. Carousel Animals/Deer stamp issued October 1, 1988.

Artwork Copyright © 1988 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): XB11752

US$ Price: $1,700.00

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