Ammi Phillips's "Girl in Red Dress with Cat and Dog" Postage Stamps (Four Centuries of American Art Series, Wedding, Child) Vintage Unused USPS Postage 32c

These vintage unused postage stamps will evoke a touch of whimsy and add personality to your mailings!

STAMP INFORMATION:

• Name: Ammi Phillips’s "Girl in Red Dress with Cat and Dog"
• Series: Four Centuries Of American Art
• Year Issued: 1998
• Face Value: 32 cents each (USD)
• Topic(s): Fine Art, American Artists, Paintings, Folk Art, Portrait, Child, Red Dress, Cat
• Color(s): Multicolored, Red, 
• Printing Method: Photogravure
• Adhesion Type: Gummed
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

STAMP HISTORY: The Ammi Phillips postage stamp was part of the Four Centuries of American Art series. It features the portrait "Girl in Red Dress with Cat and Dog" (circa 1830-1835), one of Ammi Phillips' most well-known folk portraits. The original painting depicts a young girl dressed in a striking red dress, seated with a small white cat in her lap and a dog at her feet, though the stamp image cuts off the bottom of the painting with the dog. The background is dark and simple, emphasizing the vivid red of the dress and the innocence of the child. The style is characteristic of folk art, with a focus on flat forms, bold colors, and an engaging yet stylized portrayal of the subject.

The stamp honored Ammi Phillips as an important figure in American folk art, celebrating his ability to blend realism with stylized charm in his portraits. Ammi Phillips (1788–1865) was a prolific American folk portraitist known for his ability to capture the personalities of his sitters with simple yet expressive compositions. His works are highly valued for their charm and historical insight into early American life. Girl in Red Dress with Cat and Dog is particularly beloved for its warmth and depiction of childhood in early 19th-century America.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Ammi Phillips postage stamp, featuring the iconic painting Girl in Red Dress with Cat and Dog, carries a spiritual meaning rooted in themes of innocence, protection, companionship, and the simplicity of early American life. The young girl in the portrait represents the purity and simplicity of childhood, often associated with spiritual ideals of virtue and untouched potential. The red dress, while vibrant, may symbolize warmth, love, and life force. The presence of the cat and dog conveys themes of guardianship and loyalty. In many spiritual traditions, animals symbolize guidance and protection. The cat, often linked to mystery and intuition, contrasts with the dog (not depicted on the stamp), which represents loyalty and faithfulness. Their presence around the child suggests divine or natural guardianship. Folk art, such as Phillips' work, often highlights a connection between people and their surroundings. The painting’s simple yet intimate setting suggests a sense of peace, contentment, and balance—values often associated with spiritual well-being. Portraits from this era were meant to preserve a moment in time, much like how spirituality connects the past, present, and future. The stamp, by immortalizing the artwork, also serves as a reminder of the continuity of human experience and the cherished aspects of family and heritage. Folk art, in its straightforward and unembellished style, aligns with spiritual values of humility and appreciation for life’s simple blessings. It encourages a return to fundamental human connections rather than material excess. By featuring this artwork, the stamp serves as more than just a tribute to American folk art—it conveys deeper spiritual messages about innocence, companionship, and the enduring nature of love and protection.

SERIES HISTORY: The Four Centuries of American Art postage stamp series was issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) on August 27, 1998 in Santa Clara, California, as a pane of 20 commemorative stamps, each with a face value of 32-cents, celebrating the rich history of American visual arts. The purpose of this landmark USPS release, celebrating 20 iconic works from colonial portraiture to modern Pop Art, was to honor the diversity and innovation of American artists across four centuries. This series showcases notable paintings and sculptures from the 17th through the 20th centuries, reflecting the evolution of artistic expression in the United States. Each stamp in this collection depicts a masterpiece from a different time period, spanning from the colonial era to modern American art. The selection includes portraits, landscapes, historical depictions, and abstract works, representing a wide range of artistic styles and movements. This series showcases the diversity of American art across different eras and styles, includes both traditional and avant-garde pieces, reflecting shifts in American society, and serves as a lasting teaching tool to introduce the public to significant American artists.

GUMMED STAMP: This postage stamp has a traditional moisture-activated gum on the back. These stamps require licking or wetting to adhere to envelopes or other surfaces. To ensure good adhesion, apply vintage gummed stamps to your mailings with a glue stick (we recommend using Elmer's "Re-Stick" glue sticks).

GENUINE USPS POSTAGE: These unused vintage postage stamps are perfectly valid for use as current postage for mailing with USPS as long as you use the adequate amount of postage to achieve standard postage rates according to the weight of your mailing. Check current postage rates at USPS.com.

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