Keith Reynolds (American, B. 1929) "Russian Brig Rurick" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 30c Russian Brig Rurick stamp issued April 19, 1994. Prompted by both mercantile and scientific interests in the Pacific, Russia launched a string of naval expeditions throughout Micronesia during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. One such voyage involved the Russian Brig Rurick, accompanied by a tender in its depiction in this painting. Ordered to explore the Marshall Islands, the Rurick's commander, Lieutenant Otto von Kotzebue spent three months in early 1817 visiting the eastern Ratak chain. There the ship's crew carried on trade and updated their maps of the area, giving the islands Russian names. French artist Louis Choris, also part of the expedition, spent his time busily sketching the islanders' daily activities. Later that year, von Kotzebue returned to the Marshalls for a brief stop before sailing home to Kronstadt. Image Size: 15.5 x 21.75 in. Overall Size: 20 x 24 in. Unframed. (B14614)