Description
(Paper Editions – 14″ x 28″ – 650 S/N and 76 A/P – $165.00 U.S. suggested retail)
(Giclee Canvas – 20″ x 40″ – 180 S/N and 40 A/P – $750.00 U.S. suggested retail)
(Giclee Canvas – 24″ x 48″ – 99 S/N and 33 A/P – $1050.00 U.S. suggested retail)
“Alaska was sold by Russia to America in 1867 for 7.2 million dollars. (2 cents and acre). The major
reason for a Russian presence in the North American continent was the fur trade. By far, the most
precious of the fur-bearing animals was the sea otter. Their underfur has 150,000 hairs per square
centimeter. Over 1 million of these animals were killed for their fur beginning in the 18th century.
There were also quite easy to catch since they are gregarious and float around in “rafts” of up to
several hundred. By the mid 19th century their numbers were dwindling and the market for furs
had changed. Alaska, being a great distance from the centre of power of Russia in the far west,
became of less interest to their rulers.
The Sea otters were close to extinction for most of the 20th century but a number of colonies
were introduced along the Pacific coast of America and now they are spreading across
their former range.
On a recent fishing trip to south-east Alaska we saw many “rafts” of these creatures. Their blond,
furry heads and inquisitive expressions give them an endearing and appealing quality.”
Robert Bateman
Biography
Robert Bateman has been called the most famous living artist. He continues to paint and tour the world to promote conservation and preservation of nature. We have represented Robert Bateman for decades and are now the sole publisher and distributor of his reproductions. We are so honored to work with him and witness his success. He has made such a massive contribution to the art world and the natural world as an artist and educator of the earth’s most important resources.
Nature as a subject is becoming more and more popular as our environment is in peril. What better subject is there than the beautiful creatures we share this world with? Robert Bateman’s appreciation and understanding of nature are apparent in his paintings. He is able to paint flora and fauna the way your eye would perceive it in real life. It is important that the animal takes full attention. The background becomes muted, and therefore it doesn’t take too much focus away from the subject. His paintings seem effortless and masterful all at once.
Bateman’s eye for composition is unparalleled. Each painting is a composed like a symphony, leading the eye to wander. From the backyards of North America to the sprawling plains of Africa. Robert Bateman captures nature the way it should be enjoyed. Above all he is a champion of wildlife. For this reason he has become a household name for art collectors.
