The Postal Service celebrated the classic painting showcased on its newest Christmas stamp at an Oct. 3 dedication ceremony in Santa Fe, NM.
Madonna and Child by Bachiacca features a detail of a 16th-century Italian Renaissance portrait that depicts the Virgin Mary holding an infant Jesus Christ.
The image was painted in the 1520s by Francesco d’Ubertino Verdi, also known as Bachiacca.
“Bachiacca was respected for his skill at adapting existing artworks into different styles to meet the needs of those who commissioned his work,” said Customer Experience Vice President Kelly Sigmon, who led the ceremony.
The event was held at Loretto Chapel, a former Catholic church built in the 1800s. Other speakers included Stamp Services Director Mary-Anne Penner; Richard Lindsley, the chapel’s docent; and Andrew Connors, director of the Albuquerque Museum.
Madonna and Child by Bachiacca is the latest stamp to showcase classic artwork depicting the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus. Two years ago, the Postal Service released Florentine Madonna and Child, which is still available while supplies last.
The image of Mary and Jesus is “one of the most revered” in the world, Sigmon said, adding that the new stamp will serve as a symbol of “hope for love and compassion.”
The Madonna and Child by Bachiacca stamp is available at Post Offices and usps.com.
