Christmas (Madonna) 2007

The two Madonna and Child stamps, originally issued in 2007, are again available, and will be available every Christmas until further notice. These definitive-sized stamps feature two classic paintings of the image: The 2nd Class Madonna and Child painted by William Dyce, and The Madonna of Humility, by Lippo di Dalmasio, on the 1st Class stamp.

2nd Class - Madonna and Child, William Dyce, c. 1827. In pearly light, the sweet faced young Madonna cradling her child before a limpid landscape, clearly shows the influence of Renaissance art, particularly of the young Raphael. Dyce led the way and in turn became a supporter of the radical group of young English painters, the Pre-Raphaelites.

1st Class - The Madonna of Humility, Lippo di Dalmasio, c. 1390-1400. Extensive damage and centuries of repairs have dimmed but not eclipsed the grace of The Madonna, crowned with 12 stars, against a disc of golden light, recalling Saint John's vision of the Woman of the Apocalypse, "clothed with the sun", in the Book of Revelation.

Feature	Type/Detail
Number of stamps	Two
Formatting	Peter Willberg
Typography	Peter Willberg
Illustration	Madonna and Child by William Dyce © Tate Collection, London; The Madonna of Humility by Lippo di Dalmassio © The National Gallery, London
Stamp format	Portrait
Stamp size	20mm x 24mm
Printer	De la Rue Security Print
Print process	Gravure
Number per sheet	50
Perforations	Kiss die-cut simulated perforations
Phosphor	bars
Gum	Self adhesive

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