# 4346 FDC - 2008 42c Albert Bierstadt
U.S. #4346
Albert Bierstadt
American Treasures Series
Issue Date: August 14, 2008
City: Hartford, CT
Happy Birthday, Albert Bierstadt
Bierstadt’s family moved to America the following year, settling in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Bierstadt had an interest in art from an early age, making detailed drawings in crayon when he was a child.
Bierstadt began oil painting in 1851, and two years later returned to Germany to study at the Dusseldorf Academy for several years. In 1857, he returned to New Bedford to teach drawing and painting for a short time before deciding to become a full-time painter.
As he gravitated toward capturing landscapes and the unique effects of natural lighting, Bierstadt took to painting upstate New York and New England scenes, joining the Hudson River School Art Movement. Named for the area where their style first developed during the early 1800s, these artists created romantic scenes of unspoiled nature. Like most of the group, Bierstadt had a studio in New York City. From there, he traveled to the nearby Hudson River area to paint its beautiful uninhabited mountains, lakes, and forests. Bierstadt became the most financially successful of all the Hudson River School artists.
In 2008, the U.S. Postal Service honored Albert Bierstadt with a 42¢ commemorative stamp showcasing his painting, Valley of the Yosemite, the 8th issue in the American Treasures Series.
U.S. #4346
Albert Bierstadt
American Treasures Series
Issue Date: August 14, 2008
City: Hartford, CT
Happy Birthday, Albert Bierstadt
Bierstadt’s family moved to America the following year, settling in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Bierstadt had an interest in art from an early age, making detailed drawings in crayon when he was a child.
Bierstadt began oil painting in 1851, and two years later returned to Germany to study at the Dusseldorf Academy for several years. In 1857, he returned to New Bedford to teach drawing and painting for a short time before deciding to become a full-time painter.
As he gravitated toward capturing landscapes and the unique effects of natural lighting, Bierstadt took to painting upstate New York and New England scenes, joining the Hudson River School Art Movement. Named for the area where their style first developed during the early 1800s, these artists created romantic scenes of unspoiled nature. Like most of the group, Bierstadt had a studio in New York City. From there, he traveled to the nearby Hudson River area to paint its beautiful uninhabited mountains, lakes, and forests. Bierstadt became the most financially successful of all the Hudson River School artists.
In 2008, the U.S. Postal Service honored Albert Bierstadt with a 42¢ commemorative stamp showcasing his painting, Valley of the Yosemite, the 8th issue in the American Treasures Series.