Jim Butcher (American, B. 1944) "Amber Waves of Grain" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. 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. 18c "...for amber waves of grain" stamp issued April 24, 1981. For Americans, faith in the future has historically been closely tied to a faith in the boundless land reaching from sea to shining sea. As Americans gradually unfolded the continent's wonders -- discovering what crops would grow on it, what riches lay buried beneath its soil and how one could most conveniently move across its vast expanses -- they reinforced their faith in their homeland as a boundless treasure house to be explored and discovered at their will. This faith in their country led Americans to tame the frontier, overcoming seemingly insurmountable barriers to develop their land into the proud, rich nation it is today. Nowhere is this faith in America more perfectly put to song than in the favorite anthem America the Beautiful. From spacious skies above to purple mountain majesties and fruited plain, the song paints a vivid, colorful picture of America in all her vastness and beauty. America the Beautiful is a song of patriotism -- patriotism for the nation's wealth of natural resources, unspoiled beauty, and abundant food supplies. However, it is no less an anthem of thanksgiving for the unmeasured blessings Americans reap by being part of this great land. Penned by Katharine Lee Bates with melody by Samuel Ward, America the Beautiful captures through moving literary phrases and melodious musical chords the essence of the American people's faith in their beloved homeland. Image Size: 16.75 x 14.75 in. Overall Size: 20.25 x 18.25 in. Unframed. (B07138)