The United States Postal Service honored three individuals from different artistic genres on postage stamps issued between February 10 and May 27, 1975.
The American painter Benjamin West (1738-1820) appeared on the first stamp released. The photogravure-printed stamp features a self-portrait of West. His influence was enormous, and the artists who studied in West's studio comprise a Who's Who of American painting.
The second stamp of the series features a portrait of American writer Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906), the first African-American to gain national recognition as a poet. During his short life, he wrote prolifically, producing short stories, novels, librettos, plays, songs, essays, and poetry.
The third stamp in the series honors movie producer David Wark Griffith (1875-1948), whom critics generally acknowledge as America's most influential and most prolific producer, with 485 films to his credit.
References:
- D.W. Griffth. Film Reference. www.filmreference.com/Directors-Fr-Ha/Griffith-D-W.html
- Paul Laurence Dunbar Website. University of Dayton. dunbarsite.org (accessed January 12, 2009)
- Kloetzel, James E. ed. 2009 Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers. 87th ed. Sidney, Ohio: Scott Publishing Co. 2008.
- Students of Benjamin West. Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. www.metmuseum.org/TOAH/HD/bwst/hd_bwst.htm
