259 - Rodney Fox (Australian, born 1940). Limited edition color lithograph, Unprotected Species. Hand-numbered 750/1650 in white ink at the lower left and inscribed in white ink "To my friend Peter Another Shark Victim / Now Protected Wow! / Best Wishes Rodney Fox" across the bottom margin. Sight: 17 x 30 3/8 in. Frame: 24 1/4 x 35 5/8 x 1 1/4 in.

Rodney Fox (Australian, born 1940). Limited edition color lithograph, Unprotected Species. Hand-numbered 750/1650 in white ink at the lower left and inscribed in white ink "To my friend Peter Another Shark Victim / Now Protected Wow! / Best Wishes Rodney Fox" across the bottom margin. Sight: 17 x 30 3/8 in. Frame: 24 1/4 x 35 5/8 x 1 1/4 in. A personal note from Wendy Benchley: “This was sent to Peter by Rodney Fox, our friend and the captain of the boat on which Peter had his first encounter with a great white shark. Rodney had survived an earlier shark attack and went on to become a powerful admirer and protector of great whites. He sent this to Peter to celebrate when sharks earned protection.” Great whites won legal protection in Rodney's home state of South Australia in 1998, and in 1999 Australia listed them as a vulnerable species nationwide. South Africa had led the way in 1991, the first country in the world to protect them.From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: Significant rippling and bubbling are present across the surface of the black matting material. Minor surface scuffs are visible in the blue area of the print. The silver-plated frame exhibits light edge wear and general handling marks. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.