Cameroun: Christmas 1972

 

Cameroun (Cameroon) issued this stamp as part of a set of 2 for Christmas in 1972. Both show paintings of Mary, mother of Jesus. Both are airmail stamps. The 45-franc stamp is a painting by Cimabue. This stamp shows "The Virgin of the Rose Arbor," by Stefan Lochner. There is an angel playing a small portatif organ in the LL corner. Other angels playing other instruments are seated around the blue-robed Madonna. Scott #C194 was issued December 21, 1972. My copy is unused.

Venezuela, Christmas angels

Venezuela issued this stamp in 1967 as part of a set for Christmas. It features a reproduction of Stephan Lochner's La Virgen del Rosal (Virgin in a rose arbor). The original painting hangs in the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum in Cologne, Germany. Painted in 1450, it is a small work, suited for personal or home devotional use. Angels surround the central figure, and each holding musical instruments. Almost obscured by the denomination, the angel at LL is holding a portativ. This angel and its instrument are quite clear in the image of the original painting. This stamp (Scot C976) was for airmail postage.