Gene Jarvis: Leopard Tortoise

Artist: Gene Jarvis
1921 - 1990
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1982
Image Size: 9.5 by 9 inches
Overall Size: 12.75 by 12.5 inches
Medium: Pen & Ink on Hot Press Illustration Board

The expansive deserts of Africa with their arid soil and torrid heat are no threat to the Leopard Tortoise. He is comfortable in this land that seems unbearable to most creatures. Slowly, never moving faster than two miles per hour, he lumbers across the Namib Desert, an area known as one of the most barren regions on earth. The Tortoise's travels are well documented in Africa, for the creature is quite large and is well known throughout much of the continent. He sets out on long, slow journeys which take him through deserts and over high plains in search of food. Since his home is so barren, food is sparse and, as a consequence, the Leopard Tortoise cannot be too choosy about the contents of his meals. The odd looking animals has been observed munching on a tasty bite of cactus -- seemingly oblivious to the piercing needles. He is also known to eat old bones which supply him with much-needed calcium. Tortoises, by and large, are vegetarians. For years, people kept them in their gardens to ward off vermin. But, the gardeners finally learned that a tortoise greatly prefers a garden seedling to a worm or bug. However, in the hot summer, the Leopard Tortoise forsakes his interesting eating habits and begins to fast. This is the dormant period for the great armour-clad Leopard Tortoise. During this time, he spends his days uneventfully basking in the hot sun, enjoying the warmth of his arid home.

This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day for the South-West Africa 15¢ Leopard Tortoise stamp issued December 3, 1982.

Artwork Copyright © 1982 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): XB07597

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