New stamps to honor painter

The works of Mary Stevenson Cassatt have caught the eye of a multitude of art lovers for more than a century.

Cassatt, recognized as one of the pre-eminent American artists of the 19th century, will be honored with the issuance of four new 37-cent U.S. stamps for release in August. The U.S. Postal Service says the stamps are part of the American Treasures series.

The four works of art by Cassatt appearing on the stamps are “Young Mother” (1888), shown above, now on display at Art Institute of Chicago; “Children Playing on the Beach” (1884), on display at National Gallery of Art in Washington; “On a Balcony” (1878), displayed at Art Institute of Chicago; and “Child in a Straw Hat” (1886), also viewable at Washington’s National Gallery of Art.

Cassatt was born on May 22, 1844 in Allegheny City, Pa., now part of Pittsburgh. She attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia and continued her studies in Europe. She settled permanently in Paris in the mid-1870s at the invitation of Edgar Degas, who became her friend and mentor. Thus Cassatt joined the circle of revolutionary French painters known as the Impressionists.

First-day-of -issue postmarks can be obtained from the Stamp Fulfillment Service by calling (800) STAMP-24.