Ed Little (American, B. 1957) "Santa Claus Going Down the Chimney" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on CanvasBoard. 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. 29c Santa Claus Going Down Chimney stamp issued October 17, 1999. "As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound." Clement Moore's classic Christmas story is a timeless tale which merrily captures the joyful spirit of the holiday season. The mythological figure of Santa Claus incorporates legends and fables from many European countries, but he originally evolved from St. Nicholas, a bishop of the early Christian church. For many centuries, December 6 -- the anniversary of Nicholas' death -- was celebrated with feasting and merrymaking throughout Europe. After the Protestant Reformation, St. Nicholas was replaced as the center of festivities by Christkindli -- the Christ Child. Derivations of the name produced Kris Kringle, a ministering spirit who presented gifts at Christmas time. England's Queen Victoria revived St. Nicholas festivities when she married a German prince, Albert. In this incarnation St. Nicholas emerged as Father Christmas, who delivered presents to good children. In America, Santa Claus is strictly a Christmas Eve visitor who arrives by way of the chimney, places gifts under trees, stuffs stockings with toys and eats goodies left by grateful children. Image Size: 26.5 x 36.5 in. Overall Size: 30 x 40 in. Unframed. (B13500)