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A LITTLE HISTORY ON THE 59TH (1992-93) DUCK STAMP ARTIST

Born in St. Louis, Park, Minnesota, Joseph Hautman grew up surrounded by both art and nature.  Both the marshes around his home and his family taught him to respect and cherish nature.

After graduation from high school, Hautman attended the University of Minnesota, initially studying art but then turning his attention to physics.  After obtaining a Ph. D. in Physics from the University of Michigan, he went to work at the University of Pennsylvania.  Until recently he was working on a National Institute of Health grant to study computer modeling of cellular structures with hopes of finding new ways to fight diseases.

His deep affection for both art and science has always created conflict in his life, since both demand so much of his time.  Although he has been dedicated to science for the past decade, he was never far from his easel.  Until recently, physics was his occupation while painting was for pleasure.  With both science and art so important to Hautman, he tells us that "it is important for me to capture the true nature of wildlife and its environment." In order to do so, he travels extensively to research his subjects habitat in an effort to accurately paint it.

Hautman's artistic talent and love of nature runs in the family.  His father is an avid outdoorsman while his mother, brothers and sisters are all artists in one aspect or another.  Growing up surrounded by such influences helped Hautman become a top-notch artist in his own right.

Hautman's achievements in art have just begun.  Though he has painted and sketched his entire life, he is relatively new to wildlife art.  With only a few wildlife paintings to his credit, Hautman won the world's most prestigious art contest, the 1992 Federal Duck Stamp Competition.  With this accomplishment under his belt, Hautman has decided to take a sabbatical from his physics career to pursue his passion for art.   Joseph Hautman and his wife currently reside in New Jersey.

--------------------THE ART--------------------

Spectacled Eiders is reproduced on high quality 100 percent acid-free rag paper using fade resistant inks. The edition was 10,500 regular signed and numbered prints, 2,000 with a  40 mm round gold plated bronze medallion, and 450 Executive editions which includes the medallion and a pencil remarque.  There was also 1500 Conservation Editions and 1000 Artist Proofs.  The image size is 6-1/2" x 9".  The medallion is full struck 40mm.

--------------------THE STAMP--------------------

Spectacled Eiders…Engraved by the Federal Bureau of Engraving from the original artwork. Printed in full color. The stamp sold for fifteen dollars. Postal records show 1,347,393 stamps sold. First day of sale was June 30, 1992.