Considered one of the greatest American painters of the 19th century, Winslow Homer is being honored on a U.S. commemorative postage stamp.

The new 44-cent stamp was dedicated here at the American Philatelic Society StampShow 2010, the largest annual postage stamp show held in the United States. It is the ninth issuance in the American Treasures series and features Boys in a Pasture, an 1874 oil-on-canvas painting by Homer. The painting is part of the Hayden Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA.

“The American Treasures stamps are amazing works of art, and today, we are very pleased to honor Winslow Homer and add one of his impressive paintings to this series,” said U.S. Postal Service Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President Ross Philo, who served as the dedicating official. “Indeed, it’s been said that Winslow Homer did for the United States what the French Impressionists did for Europe. He showed the beauty of a place and the people who lived there. His body of work continues to shine as a legacy to our great and beautiful nation.”