David K Stone (Oregon, 1922 - 2001) "George Washington" Signed lower right. Original oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Treaty of Paris stamp issued September 2, 1983. A few times in history, a man and a moment have come together in such a perfect union of temperament to circumstances, that all the world marvels at the accomplishments. Such a union was that of George Washington and the American Revolutionary War. Washington enjoyed no more than eight years of formal education. Yet, he possessed such strength of character that he became a giant in the eyes of his countrymen, to be forever revered as the Father of his Country. On June 15, 1775, Washington was named head of the Revolutionary Army and for the next eight years, he led a rag-tag army of untrained, undisciplined soldiers in a war against the greatest military power of the age. Often, that army was held together by the strength of Washington's character alone. When at last the victory was won and the final peace sealed with the Treaty of Paris, no one was more pleased than George Washington to again become a private citizen. Yet, his service to his country had just begun. On May 25, 1787, he was named president of the Constitutional Convention. For four months he sat at a low dias, taking almost no part in the debate. Yet, it is entirely possible that the U.S. Constitution would not have taken the form it did if this man -- that every delegate asumed would be the first U.S. President -- were not in attendance. Two years later, George Washinton filled the U.S. Presidency with characteristic strength and dignity. Hereafter these qualities have been the marks of America's great Presidents. Image Size: 21.25 x 18.25 in. Overall Size: 27 x 23.75 in. Unframed. (B08271)