John Foster's "Portrait of Richard Mather" Postage Stamps (Four Centuries of American Art Series, Religion, Wedding) 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: John Foster’s “Portrait of Richard Mather”
• Series: Four Centuries Of American Art
• Year Issued: 1998
• Face Value: 32 cents each (USD)
• Topic(s): Fine Art, American Artists, Painting, Engraving, Realism, Colonial, Portrait, Religion, Puritan, Minister, Theology, Bible, Religious Ceremony
• Color(s): Multicolored, Black and White, Black
• Printing Method: Photogravure
• Adhesion Type: Gummed
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

STAMP HISTORY: This postage stamp featuring John Foster’s painting Portrait of Richard Mather (circa 1670) was part of the Four Centuries of American Art series. The painting depicts Richard Mather, a prominent Puritan minister, dressed in somber black robes with a white collar, reflecting the Puritan emphasis on modesty and religious devotion. Mather has a long, flowing white beard and a serious, contemplative expression, symbolizing wisdom, piety, and spiritual authority. He holds a book, presumably a Bible or a religious text, emphasizing his role as a scholar and preacher. The portrait is flat and stylized, characteristic of early Colonial American art, which was often more focused on religious and moral themes than artistic realism. It is believed to be one of the earliest surviving American paintings, attributed to John Foster, who was also a printer and engraver.

John Foster (1648–1681) was among the first colonial American artists and printers, known for his work in portraiture and early woodcut engravings. Portrait of Richard Mather is significant as one of the first-known American painted portraits, marking the beginning of portraiture in the American art tradition. Richard Mather (1596–1669) was a leading Puritan minister in New England, known for his theological writings and influence on early American religious life. The portrait reflects the Puritan ideals of simplicity, piety, and intellect, avoiding the decorative excesses of European portraiture. This postage stamp honors America’s artistic and religious heritage, recognizing the early efforts of colonial painters and the deep influence of Puritan values on American culture.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: John Foster’s Portrait of Richard Mather carries deep spiritual significance, rooted in themes of faith, wisdom, humility, and devotion to a higher purpose. Richard Mather, depicted in his somber black robes and white collar, embodies Puritan religious values—simplicity, humility, and dedication to God. The lack of ornamentation in the portrait reflects the Puritan belief that spiritual truth is found in devotion rather than material wealth or artistic excess. Mather holds a book, likely a Bible or theological text, symbolizing divine knowledge, wisdom, and the importance of scripture. This represents the Puritan emphasis on literacy and biblical study, reinforcing the belief that spiritual enlightenment comes through disciplined learning and reflection. The serious expression and aged features of Mather remind viewers of life’s impermanence and the importance of preparing for the afterlife. Puritan theology emphasized living a righteous life in preparation for eternity, and this portrait serves as a meditative image on spiritual duty and legacy. The painting’s flat and unembellished style mirrors the Puritan ideal of simplicity, which teaches that God is best honored through a humble and disciplined life. Spiritually, it reminds us to strip away distractions and focus on the core of our faith and values. As a Puritan minister, Mather was a spiritual guide to early American settlers, helping shape the religious foundations of the New World. His portrait, preserved through art and now on a stamp, signifies the lasting influence of spiritual leaders in guiding people toward truth and righteousness. The Portrait of Richard Mather stamp serves as a spiritual reminder of humility, devotion, and the pursuit of wisdom through faith. It reflects the Puritan legacy of discipline, scripture, and moral integrity, offering a timeless meditation on the values that continue to shape spiritual life today.

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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