These vintage unused postage stamps will evoke a touch of whimsy and add personality to your mailings! Includes a total of TEN (10) of the 32-cent unused vintage Mark Rothko “No. 12" postage stamps shown in photos.

STAMP INFORMATION:

• Name: Mark Rothko’s “No. 12"
• Series: Four Centuries Of American Art
• Year Issued: 1998
• Face Value: 32 cents each (USD)
• Topic(s): Fine Art, American Artists, Paintings, Modern Art, Abstract Expressionism
• Color(s): Multicolored, Orange, Red
• Printing Method: Photogravure
• Adhesion Type: Gummed (see below for adhesion instructions)
• Condition: Genuine Unused USPS Postage Stamps, Ready to Use for USPS Mailings, Mint Condition

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.

STAMP HISTORY: This postage stamp featuring Mark Rothko's No. 12 (1951) was part of the Four Centuries of American Art series. This stamp showcases Rothko’s signature color field painting style, which is deeply associated with Abstract Expressionism. Rothko’s paintings, including No. 12, were designed to evoke deep emotional and spiritual responses through color and form. The painting features large, softly edged rectangular blocks of color stacked vertically. These forms appear to float within the canvas, creating a sense of depth and movement. No. 12 is known for its warm, rich hues. It typically consists of deep reds, oranges, and ochres juxtaposed against darker or more muted backgrounds, though Rothko often experimented with different tonal variations. No. 12 is known for its warm, rich hues. It typically consists of deep reds, oranges, and ochres juxtaposed against darker or more muted backgrounds, though Rothko often experimented with different tonal variations. The work embodies Rothko’s pursuit of emotional depth and transcendence through the interaction of color, light, and form. By featuring No. 12, the United States Postal Service (USPS) acknowledges Rothko’s influence and the broader shift in mid-century American art toward abstraction and introspection.

Mark Rothko (1903–1970) was a pioneering figure in Abstract Expressionism, particularly known for his contributions to Color Field Painting. His career evolved through several distinct phases, each reflecting his deep philosophical engagement with art as a medium for profound emotional and spiritual experiences. Rothko’s classic Color Field paintings emerged in the late 1940s and became dominant in the 1950s.

STAMP MEANING & SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE: Rothko’s work is deeply introspective, aiming to evoke profound human emotions such as joy, tragedy, or transcendence. No. 12, like many of his paintings, invites viewers to engage in a personal, meditative experience. Rothko often spoke of his paintings as a means of communication beyond words, intending them to function as a form of spiritual or existential contemplation. By stripping away representational elements, Rothko focused purely on color and form, emphasizing their ability to convey emotion without the need for figures or objects. Overall, No. 12 is a striking example of Rothko’s ability to create a profound and immersive visual experience, using color as a vehicle for human emotion and spiritual transcendence.

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).

QUESTIONS? We love hearing from our customers and replies to inquires are usually answered the same day. Need more of this stamp? Looking for a particular stamp not found on our website? Want a curated postage set for your special event?

ABOUT HERITAGE POST HOUSE: Jennifer Kramer is the founder of Heritage Post House, a boutique vintage postage house located in Northern California. Jennifer sources the most beautiful unused vintage postage stamps ever issued by USPS and artfully arranges them into curated postage sets that are sure to add a special touch to your invitations, announcements, and special mailings. In addition to creating pre-arranged postage sets, Jennifer also works with couples (and their stationers) to create one-of-a-kind custom postage arrangements for wedding invitations, save the dates, and other special occasions.


Product Specifications

Length: 1.57 in.
Height: 0.01 in.
Width: 1.24 in.
Weight: 0.01 lbs.