The Postal Service dedicated two new holiday stamp releases at a ceremony on Sept. 14 in Washington, DC.
Up first was the Christmas Madonna and Child stamp, which features an oil painting from the workshop of the 17th century Italian artist Giovanni Battista Salvi (1609-1685), known as “Sassoferrato.” The extent to which Sassoferrato had a hand in painting it is unknown, so the portrait is attributed to his workshop.
The artwork depicts a watchful Madonna, her head tilted toward the sleeping Christ child nestled against her.
“The Christmas Madonna and Child stamp is a beautiful reminder of the season’s roots,” said Sheila Holman, the Postal Service’s marketing vice president, who spoke at the ceremony.
“It’s a timeless design that brings a touch of reverence and warmth to every piece of mail,” she said.
The ceremony’s second release was the four Holiday Joy stamps, which feature folk-art inspired images of colorful flowers and Christmas ornaments.
Antonio Alcalá worked with Michelle Muñoz to create the unique images of holiday décor, inspired by a love of Christmas, vintage ornaments and Mexican folk art.
“These stamps provide our customers with beautiful images for the holidays and are more than just decorations for their cards and packages — they enable and provide a bridge between families and friends across America,” said Mark Guilfoil, the Postal Service’s supply management vice president, who also spoke at the ceremony.
The ceremony was held at the National Postal Museum. Other speakers included Toby Mensforth, the museum’s deputy director, and Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS.
Jacquie Gales Webb, host of “Gospel Spirit,” a show on WHUR-FM (96.3) in the Washington, DC, area, was master of ceremonies.
The Holiday Joy and Christmas Madonna and Child Forever stamps are available in booklets of 20 at Post Offices and usps.com.
