Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Shorthair and Persian Cats" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 22c American Shorthair and Persian Cats stamp issued February 5, 1988. Harking back to the days of Ancient Egypt, the classic Egyptian tabby is the one from which all breeds of cat are thought to have descended. Sporting an auburn coat striped with white, this first shorthair was predecessor to millions. Even today in America, shorthaired cats are the most common, and are found in variations of black, white, tabby and tortoiseshell. The Black Cat, of course, gets the most attention, as its color and stealth have lent it great mystery. Superstition surrounds this cat and its actions are carefully monitored by wary people throughout the world. A true White American Shorthair is very rare and takes years of careful breeding to achieve. In its pure form, this cat has a pink nose and blue eyes. Tabbies are striped and come in varying colors -- gray, brown, red and silver among them. They are generally quite common. Another breed of Shorthair, the Tortoiseshell is distinguished by patches of black, cream, or red. Interestingly, Tortoiseshell Cats are almost always female. A variation is the more common Calico Cat. Also featured with the American Shorthair, a member of the longhaired breeds, the Persian is considered among the elite of domestic cats. Handsome and aloof, the Persians are often blue in color, although it is the White-Haired variety that is presumed to be the original long-haired cat. Black Persians are very rare, but they are exceptionally beautiful and are highly prized by their owners. Image Size: 13.75 x 12 in. Overall Size: 22.25 x 20.25 in. Unframed. (B11367)