Chuck Ripper: Emerald Monitor

Artist: Chuck Ripper
1929 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 2000
Image Size: 12.5 by 14.5 inches
Overall Size: 14.75 by 17.75 inches
Medium: Gouache Watercolor on Cold Press Watercolor Board

The Emerald Monitor or Green Tree Monitor is one of the smaller species of the Varanus genus. Its body length, of which more than half is tail, is barely 75 centimeters. The Emerald, however, is one of the more attractively colored monitors. The back, though sometimes black, is typically brown to bright green, with narrow, black cross bands or rows of ocellate markings frequently most conspicuous in the shoulder area. The ventral parts are whitish yellow to pale green. Like all monitors, the Emerald is characterized by a forked tongue, eyelids that close, an elongated neck, well-developed legs and a long tail. Monitors are capable swimmers. Although little is known about population size, the Emerald Monitor is most prevalent in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, with occasional sightings in northern Australia. Insects, mollusks, amphibians and lizards make up most of this species' diet, although larger monitors will consume birds and smaller animals. The Emerald Monitor lays eggs in clutches varying from 10 to 60 in natural cavities, or in shallow self-dug holes. The eggs are covered with plant debris to assist in keeping a moderately stable temperature during the incubation period. Frequently exploited by man as a food source, the Emerald Monitor is more often killed for its skin, which is in great demand by the leather industry.

This painting originally appeared on the United Nations Proofcard of the Emerald Monitor Endangered Species issued April 6, 2000.

Artwork Copyright © 2000 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): XB16718

US$ Price: $2,700.00

Easy Purchase Plan: Buy this ArtworkOriginal with 8 monthly payments. Payments will be charged automatically as due to your Credit Card.