Grant Wood's "American Gothic" Postage Stamps (Four Centuries of American Art Series, Farm, 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: Grant Wood’s “American Gothic”
• Series: Four Centuries Of American Art
• Year Issued: 1998
• Face Value: 32 cents each (USD)
• Topic(s): Fine Art, American Artists, Paintings, Regionalism, Gothic, Farm, Farmers, Gardeners, Homesteading, Couple, Wedding
• Color(s): Multicolored 
• Printing Method: Photogravure
• Adhesion Type: Gummed
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

STAMP HISTORY: This Grant Wood postage stamp features the iconic painting "American Gothic" (1930) as part of the Four Centuries of American Art series. The painting depicts a stern-looking farmer holding a pitchfork beside a woman (his wife or daughter), both standing in front of a Gothic-style farmhouse in the American Midwest. The farmer’s expression is serious and resolute, while the woman looks slightly concerned, reflecting a sense of duty, hard work, and traditional values. The sharp lines, muted colors, and rigid postures of the subjects contribute to the painting’s sense of realism, capturing both pride and hardship. The Gothic-style window in the farmhouse behind them adds to the painting’s distinct aesthetic and gives the work its name.

Grant Wood (1891–1942) was an American painter known for his role in the Regionalism movement, which focused on rural American life and traditions.

American Gothic became one of the most recognized images in American art, symbolizing Midwestern values, resilience, and the hardworking spirit of rural America. The painting has been widely interpreted—some see it as a celebration of American perseverance, while others view it as a subtle critique of rigid conservatism and the challenges of rural life. The figures, though solemn, represent a deep connection to the land, family, and tradition, reflecting the era’s economic struggles during the Great Depression. This stamp honors Grant Wood’s impact on American art, celebrating the enduring spirit of rural America, self-reliance, and the values of hard work and tradition. The farmer’s pitchfork represents labor, sustenance, and a connection to the earth, emphasizing the spiritual virtue of honest work and self-sufficiency. Many spiritual traditions teach that work, when done with integrity and purpose, becomes an act of devotion—a way to honor both the land and the divine.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: Grant Wood’s American Gothic (1930) holds deep spiritual significance related to resilience, tradition, duty, and the sacred connection to the land and community. he solemn expressions of the farmer and the woman symbolize endurance through hardship, a spiritual reminder that resilience and faith help people withstand life’s challenges. Their upright postures and firm gazes suggest steadfastness and devotion, mirroring the idea that spiritual strength comes from perseverance and commitment to one’s purpose. Whether the woman is seen as the farmer’s wife or daughter, the image reflects a spiritual theme of intergenerational bonds, duty, and familial responsibility. It reminds us of the sacred importance of family traditions, wisdom passed down through generations, and the collective strength of a community. The Gothic-style farmhouse in the background symbolizes stability, heritage, and faith, suggesting that home is not just a physical place but a spiritual anchor. The painting reflects the idea that living close to the land fosters a deep connection with the divine, similar to agrarian spiritual traditions that view nature as sacred. While the figures appear serious, their presence also suggests quiet dignity and inner peace, a reminder that even in times of difficulty, there is grace, purpose, and hope. The simple clothing and restrained expressions symbolize humility and devotion, values often associated with spiritual fulfillment and a life of meaning beyond material wealth. This American Gothic stamp encapsulates the spiritual virtues of resilience, faith, tradition, and a deep connection to the land and one’s roots. It serves as a reminder that even in simplicity and hardship, there is a profound sense of purpose, belonging, and spiritual strength that sustains individuals and communities.

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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