# 4917-20c - 2014 First-Class Forever Stamp - Imperforate American Treasures: Hudson River School Paintings

U.S. #4917-20c

2014 49¢ Hudson River School Paintings Imperforate

American Treasures

These stamps are the 12th issue in the American Treasures series. The artwork includes the 1912 Thomas Moran painting “Grand Canyon”; “Summer Afternoon” painted by Asher B. Durand in 1865; the 1856 oil painting “Sunset” by Frederic Edwin Church; and the 1830 oil painting “Distant View of Niagara Falls” by Thomas Cole.

The so-called Hudson River School of Landscape Painting emerged in the United States in the late 1820s as an artistic celebration of nature in its purest form. As artists began painting portrait subjects in front of backgrounds of hills, streams, and trees, the natural settings took over as the focal point. Landscape painting became a major style of art in itself. 

The Hudson River School was named to identify the movement toward landscape painting and to classify artists of this style. Many of the artists worked or lived near the Hudson River area of New York City and often would travel to the country for inspiration. The vast, unspoiled landscapes of the mid-19th century Hudson River Valley and Catskills regions offered perfect subject matter for the new artistic focus. 

Hudson River artists used invisible brushstrokes to capture the most minute details of nature on the grandest scale. Their paintings feature tranquil landscapes under blue skies, often illuminated by a sunrise or sunset. 

The style dominated the art world for the better part of the 19th century. Considered the first truly American style of art, the Hudson River School of Landscape Painting is still a preferred style among many art enthusiasts. 

49¢ Hudson River School, issued to satisfy the first-class mail rate

Issue Date: August 21, 2014

City: Hartford, CT, at the American Philatelic Society Stamp Show

Category: Commemorative

Printed By: CCL Label

Printing Method: Photogravure

Perforations: Imperforate

Self-Adhesive

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.