The Envelope

Commissioned by Jonathan Holtzman, founder of Holtzman Wildlife Foundation, “The Envelope” depicts five endangered species all supporting one another and delivering an important message to the world. Realist wildlife artist, Thomas Broadbent, took inspiration for this piece from a folk tale titled Town Musicians of Bremen, published by the Brothers Grimm in 1819.

Broadbent’s work depicts a Black Rhino, Grauer’s Gorilla, Malayan Sun Bear, Red Panda and Lemur all stacked on top of each other. The lemur carries a bright yellow envelope in his mouth. “I wanted the message to be mysterious,” says Broadbent, “But we all know what it says. These magnificent animals are showing their strength and fortitude while taking action in the face of potential extinction. They are asking for our help.”

The profits from the sale of each $325 limited-edition, museum-quality print went directly to conserve, repopulate and protect these five animals. Upon purchasing a print, the donation was directed to either support a single animal, or split evenly amongst Rhino Conservation Botswana, Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center, Animals Asia Foundation Limited, Red Panda Network and Centre ValBio Madagascar.