U.S. #4918

2014 49¢ Summer Afternoon

Hudson River School Paintings 

This stamp pictures a 1865 painting by Asher Durand. It is one of four showing artwork typical of the Hudson River School movement. The stamps are the 12th issue in the American Treasures series. 

Asher B. Durand (1796...  more

U.S. #4918

2014 49¢ Summer Afternoon

Hudson River School Paintings 

This stamp pictures a 1865 painting by Asher Durand. It is one of four showing artwork typical of the Hudson River School movement. The stamps are the 12th issue in the American Treasures series. 

Asher B. Durand (1796-1886) began his artistic career as an apprentice engraver in 1812. In 1820, he was commissioned by respected painter John Trumbull to engrave his painting, The Declaration of Independence. Durand’s successful rendering of the painting solidified his place in the art world.

Influenced by his colleagues, Durand soon took up painting. His early works were mostly portraits, but he slowly turned to landscapes. By 1837, Durand was traveling the Adirondacks with close friend and mentor Thomas Cole, in search of inspiration.

By the early 1840s, Durand had become famous and could afford a European tour. There he was influenced by works which he felt captured “a simple truth and naturalness” more than he had ever seen before. He embraced this “naturalism” and adopted an en plein air, or “in the open air,” painting method. He frequented the Catskills, Adirondacks, and Hudson Valley, taking inspiration directly from the natural surroundings, composing his works while outdoors.  

Asher Durand’s realistic and detailed paintings are perfect examples of the Hudson River School style. His 30-plus year career in landscape art greatly influenced the movement and the artists to follow. 

49¢ Hudson River School, issued to satisfy the first-class mail rate

Issue Date: August 21, 2014

City: Hartford, CT, at the American Philatelic Society Stamp Show

Quantity: 25 million

Category: Commemorative

Printed By: CCL Label

Printing Method: Photogravure

Perforations: Serpentine Die Cut 10¾

Self-Adhesive