Winslow Homer's "The Fog Warning" Postage Stamps (Four Centuries of American Art Series, Blue, Boating, Rowing, 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: Winslow Homer’s "The Fog Warning"
• Series: Four Centuries Of American Art
• Year Issued: 1998
• Face Value: 32 cents each (USD)
• Topic(s): Fine Art, American Artists, Paintings, Nautical, Rowing, Boating, Fishing, Storm, Maine
• 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 Winslow Homer postage stamp was part of the Four Centuries of American Art series and features his famous painting "The Fog Warning" (1885). The painting depicts a solitary fisherman in a small dory (boat) rowing through choppy waters, with a distant ship on the horizon. The sky is overcast, and an approaching fog looms, suggesting an impending struggle between man and nature. The fisherman glances toward the ship, seemingly calculating whether he can reach safety before the fog envelops him.

Winslow Homer (1836–1910) was one of America’s greatest realist painters, known for his dramatic seascapes and depictions of human endurance. The Fog Warning is part of Homer’s "Maine Coast" series, which captures the harsh realities of life at sea and the tension between human effort and nature’s power. The painting reflects themes of isolation, survival, and fate, which were central to Homer’s later works. This stamp honors Homer’s ability to capture the raw beauty and danger of the sea, symbolizing the resilience of the human spirit against the forces of nature.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Fog Warning carries profound spiritual significance related to human resilience, the struggle for survival, the uncertainty of life, and the relationship between humanity and nature. The lone fisherman, navigating through the fog and unpredictable sea, represents the human spirit's ability to endure hardship. Spiritually, this image speaks to the strength needed to face life’s challenges with faith, courage, and determination. The fisherman’s focused gaze toward the distant ship symbolizes the quest for hope and survival even in the face of danger. The fog, which obscures the path and creates uncertainty, can be seen as a metaphor for life’s mystery and unpredictability. Spiritually, this image evokes the belief that life’s journey is often unclear, and humans must rely on faith and guidance to navigate through difficult circumstances, trusting that there is a greater purpose behind the unknown. The tension between the fisherman and the vast sea reflects the balance between human effort and the power of nature. Spiritually, this theme represents the need for humility and respect for the natural world, acknowledging that while humans can struggle and strive, they are ultimately subject to forces beyond their control. The solitary figure of the fisherman in a vast, impersonal sea emphasizes themes of isolation and the search for meaning. The painting may suggest that, despite the physical isolation of the fisherman, there is an inherent spiritual connection between all beings, as the distant ship and the looming fog indicate that others are affected by the same forces, linking their fates. The fog can also be interpreted as a symbol of life’s trials and tribulations that obscure clear vision. Spiritually, the fisherman’s challenge is a reminder to remain steadfast and focused during life’s periods of confusion and difficulty, trusting in one's inner strength, intuition, and divine guidance to find the way forward. By immortalizing The Fog Warning on a postage stamp, the USPS highlights not only Homer’s artistic mastery but also a profound spiritual reflection on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, the uncertainties of life, and the eternal connection between humans and the natural world.

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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