JefferyT
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Rare Art Treasure Highlights 2009 Christmas Stamp...
Reprinted from
http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2009/pr09_088.htm
SAN SIMEON, CA — Millions of Americans celebrating Christmas this year can mail their holiday greetings bearing the image of a rare piece of art, now that the Postal Service has issued the Christmas: Madonna and Sleeping Child by Sassoferrato stamp.
The original painting, more than 300 years old, took center stage at a dedication ceremony highlighted by an awe inspiring view of the Pacific Ocean from the main terrace of the Hearst Castle, a California State Park here. All 600 million, 44-cent, First-Class stamps, available in booklets of 20, are available nationwide today. The 2009 Winter Holidays, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa stamps stamps were issued earlier this month.
“Sassoferrato’s Madonna and Sleeping Child provides a symbol of the endearing and enduring bond of family,” said James Bilbray, member, U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, in dedicating the stamp.
“The beauty of a mother cradling her child and the symbolic message of purity, love and sacrifice are brilliant. It represents the best of all that is good about Christmas and its traditions — home, family, love and togetherness. It is no small wonder why it was selected.”
Joining Bilbray in the dedication were Ruth Coleman, director, California State Parks; Hoyt Fields, Hearst Castle Museum director; and Tony Cipolla, managing editor and reporter, KSBY-TV. William Randolph Hearst’s great grandson, Stephen Hearst, was unable to attend the event.
“The California State Parks is honored that one of the great works of art at Hearst Castle has been selected as the subject of this year's Christmas Commemorative Stamp,” said Coleman. “As holiday greetings are sent around the world, people everywhere will be reminded of the amazing treasures that are protected for the public to enjoy throughout the California State Park System.”
“Through the years,” said Hearst, vice president and general manager, Western Properties, Hearst Corporation, “millions of visitors to Hearst Castle have recognized it as a national treasure. It’s especially gratifying now to have the U.S. Postal Service also acknowledge the significance of the art collection at San Simeon.”
The version of Madonna and Sleeping Child shown on this stamp was purchased in 1926 by American media entrepreneur William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951). An avid collector and patron of the arts, Hearst amassed a renowned collection of artwork and artifacts. Hearst Castle served as his private home. This sumptuous residence and accredited museum is open to the public as part of the California State Park System.
Please see the stamp at:
http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2009/pr09_088.htm
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Please visit Jeffery's Junction for Vintage Glass, Art Pottery, and LP Records:
http://jefferysjunction.ecrater.com
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