# 4748m - 2013 First-Class Forever Stamp - Imperforate Modern Art in America

U.S. # 4748m
2013 46¢ Modern Art in America Imperforate

The beginning of the American Modern Art movement cannot be assigned to a single date.  It had long been common for American artists to travel to Europe.  The artists who went there in the early 1900s discovered new abstract styles, namely Cubism, Futurism, Impressionism, Fauvism, and Dada.  The work of these returning American artists and the Europeans who inspired them were introduced to the American public in 1913.  This took place at the International Exhibition of Modern Art, known to many as simply the Armory Show.

Though many art shows have been held at U.S. National Guard armories over the years, this one was the most scandalous.  It marked the first time most Americans saw modern abstract art (though Arthur Dove had displayed his abstract works the year before, which is considered the first public exhibition of abstract art in America).  Among the artists who participated were Stuart Davis, John Marin, Marsden Hartley, Charles Sheeler, Joseph Stella, and Marcel Duchamp.  Many viewers were outraged, including former President Theodore Roosevelt, who proclaimed, “That’s not art!”

In spite of the public reaction, many artists in attendance were inspired and joined the modern art movement.  These included Man Ray and Aaron Douglas.  The work of all these artists paved the way for more abstract art in America by such artists as Charles DeMuth, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Gerald Murphy.

Though inspired by European artists, American Modern Art is a distinct style all its own.  While it encompasses several styles, the subjects are all American, either embracing or rejecting the industrial age that was sweeping the nation.

The Modern Art stamps are all unusual sizes and arranged look like paintings in art gallery.  Each stamp pictures the paintings and includes the artists’ name.  The back of the pane includes the painting title, date, and information about artist.  The pane was designed by Margaret Bauer. 

Value: 46¢ First-Class letter rate

Issued:  March 7, 2013

First Day City:  New York, NY

Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Avery Dennison
Method: Photogravure printing in sheets of 48, in 4 panes of 12
Perforation: Imperforate

Self-Adhesive

The U.S.P.S. has issued other stamps honoring American artists over the years.  Three of the artists featured on this sheet have been honored on U.S. stamps before: Georgia O’Keeffe (U.S. #3069), Marcel Duchamp (U.S. #3183d), and Man Ray (U.S. #3649).

Scarce Modern Imperforates

The modern imperforate stamps are one of the hottest stories around.  In 2012, the U.S. Postal Service released some issues as press sheets.  The sheets with die cut perforations were issued in limited quantities. 

To the surprise of many collectors, officials then issued a small number of press sheets without perforations.  The uncut sheets were only available in Kansas City, Missouri, yet most sold out immediately.  In an instant, the imperforate stamp sheets became modern rarities.  For example, only 75,000 Baseball All-Star se-tenant sheets were issued compared to 118,000 Bugs Bunny sheets with the 10th stamp imperforate.

In a controversial move, the editors of Scott Catalogue announced they would not list or give numbers to these stamps because they did not fit Scott guidelines.  This decision was strongly debated since the imperforate stamps are valid for postage.   They eventually decided to give the stamps minor numbers and have continued issuing imperforates in the years since.

Because they were issued in such limited quantities, these scarce modern imperforates can be difficult to find.  Luckily Mystic purchased a small number of each imperforate stamp issued so you can add these modern rarities to your collection.  Be one of the lucky few – order today.