1994 Norman Rockwell (Souvenir Sheet of 4)

U.S. #2840
1994 Norman Rockwell (Souvenir Sheet of 4)

U.S. #2840, issued on July 1, 1994, commemorated the 100th birth anniversary of Norman Rockwell, one of America's most beloved artists. Here's what you need to know about this commemorative stamp:

• Stamp Category: Commemorative
• Value: 50¢
• First Day of Issue: July 1, 1994
• First Day City: Stockbridge, Massachusetts
• Quantity Issued: 80,000,000 panes
• Printed by: Printed for Ashton-Potter (USA) by Manhardt-Alexander, Inc.
• Printing Method: Offset (Heidelberg Speedmaster offset 6-color sheetfed press)
• Format: Souvenir Panes of 4 (Vertical 2 across, 2 down)
• Perforations: 10.9 x 11.1 (reciprocating stroke perforator)
• Tagging: One large block covering all four stamps but not selvage. When removed from the pane, single stamps may appear to be overall tagged.

Why the stamp was issued: The stamp was issued to honor Norman Rockwell on the centennial anniversary of his birth, recognizing him as one of the greatest American artists of all time.

About the stamp design: Each stamp features one of Rockwell’s iconic "Four Freedoms" paintings: "Freedom From Want," "Freedom From Fear," "Freedom of Speech," and "Freedom of Worship." Additionally, each stamp includes a concealed "1994" within its design, placed strategically within each painting.

Special design details: The hidden "1994" can be found in each stamp: above the turkey’s wing in "Freedom From Want," just above the blanket on the bedpost on the far right in "Freedom From Fear," above the partial hand in the middle of the bottom-left shoulder of the man in the gray sweater in "Freedom of Speech," and in front of the eyebrow of the dark-haired man at the upper left in "Freedom of Worship."

First Day City: The stamp, along with the Norman Rockwell souvenir sheet, was issued in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, at the Norman Rockwell Museum.

History the stamps represent: Norman Rockwell's "Four Freedoms" paintings, created in 1942 during World War II, depicted scenes of ordinary Americans embodying the ideals for which the United States was fighting. These paintings, originally published in The Saturday Evening Post, became iconic symbols of American values and contributed significantly to the war effort by raising funds through war bond tours and generating public support. Despite personal setbacks, such as a studio fire in 1943, Rockwell continued to produce memorable artwork, including notable covers for publications during the war years.