The Freake Limner's "Mrs. Elizabeth Freake and Baby Mary" Postage Stamps (Four Centuries of American Art Series, Mother & Baby) 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: The Freake Limner’s "Mrs. Elizabeth Freake and Baby Mary"
• Series: Four Centuries Of American Art
• Year Issued: 1998
• Face Value: 32 cents each (USD)
• Topic(s): Fine Art, American Artist, Painting, Early American Portraiture, Colonial-era Portrait, Mother's Day, Mother and Daughter, Mother and Child, Baby
• Color(s): Multicolored, Black & White
• Printing Method: Photogravure
• Adhesion Type: Gummed
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

STAMP HISTORY: The Freake Limner postage stamp was part of the Four Centuries of American Art series. It features a reproduction of a colonial-era portrait painted by the anonymous artist known as The Freake Limner, who was active in New England during the late 17th century (1600s). The artwork on the stamp is based on Mrs. Elizabeth Freake and Baby Mary (circa 1671-1674), a well-known example of early American portraiture. The portrait captures Elizabeth Freake, a wealthy Boston woman, elegantly dressed in fine clothing with intricate lace and embroidery, holding her young daughter. The style is characteristic of early colonial art, with a focus on decorative details and a flat, stylized representation.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Freake Limner postage stamp can be interpreted through the lens of early American Puritan values and the symbolism embedded in colonial portraiture. The artwork featured on the stamp, Mrs. Elizabeth Freake and Baby Mary, reflects themes of faith, divine providence, and the societal role of family in Puritan New England. The Puritans saw material prosperity and social standing as signs of God’s favor. The elaborate clothing in the portrait suggests a belief in divine blessing, with the family’s status symbolizing moral and religious uprightness. The presence of the mother and child emphasizes the spiritual importance of family, reflecting the Puritan ideal of a well-ordered, God-fearing household. This aligns with biblical teachings that uphold family as central to faith and society. Colonial portraits often carried an awareness of life's fragility, especially given high infant mortality rates of the time. The depiction of Baby Mary can symbolize both the hope of future generations and a reminder of the transient nature of earthly existence. By featuring this artwork on a postage stamp, the USPS indirectly highlights the endurance of spiritual and moral traditions from America’s early history, reminding viewers of their historical and religious roots. Thus, the stamp not only honors early American art but also conveys deeper spiritual themes of faith, family, and legacy.

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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