The Postal Service held a special dedication ceremony last month for its Christmas Madonna and Child stamp in Indianapolis, home to the painting shown on the new release.
The stamp features an oil painting from the workshop of the 17th century Italian artist Giovanni Battista Salvi, known as “Sassoferrato” (1609-1685).
He and his workshop produced many versions of this particular Madonna and Child; the version on the stamp is from the collection of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, which hosted the Sept. 17 special dedication ceremony.
“The Christmas Madonna and Child stamp offers a traditional touch for cards and letters in a season of celebration, reflection and family,” said Christi Johnson-Kennedy, the USPS Indiana District manager who spoke at the ceremony.
Other speakers included Janet Holcomb, Indiana first lady; Keith Blane, Indianapolis postmaster; Jay Bigalke, Linn’s Stamp News editor; and Belinda Tate, a museum director.
The stamp is available in booklets of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.
Tate thanked USPS for showcasing the Madonna and Child — and for the many other stamps the organization releases each year.
“We recognize the importance of the United States Postal Service and its integral role in shepherding visual and written communication on which we depend every day,” she said.