Liechtenstein: Chur Cathedral, Christmas

Liechtenstein issued this stamp in 1982 for Christmas. It is part of a set of three stamps (Scott 751-753) featuring architectural details from Chur Cathedral (Vadux, St Florin). I do not have a copy of the individual stamp, only this postcard with stamp affixed. This was a gift from my friend in Great Britain, Mark Jameson, for which I am deeply grateful. The image is an angel playing a portatif organ. I have looked at several pictures of the interior of the Vaduz St Florin Cathedral, but have not found where exactly with the facility this statue is located.  Joseph Rheinberger, organist and composer, was born here. Below is a picture of the organ in the rear gallery, for the sake of completeness. At the bottom of the image one can see statuary in a similar vein to that on the stamp.

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.

Sweden: Christmas 1980

Sweden issued this stamp for Christmas on 18 November 1980. It shows a form of artistic representation of an angel blowing a horn.Scott 1339 was issued as a booklet stamp, not the more common coil format.

For years I have heard that this stamp's design is based on case decoration on a specific pipe organ in Sweden. At this point I don't remember who has said such, or where I might have read it. I have never found any confirmation of this however. I would love to know the details behind the stamp's design. I think I will try to determine who designed the stamp and see if it's possible to contact them. I am willing to concede that the decoration may not be organ-related at all.