LX565A, Christmas, 1973

This sheet/stamp depicts “The Adoration of the Shepherds” by Guido Reni (1575-1642)

Born in Bologna, Guido Reni studied there at the Carracci Academy and had a talent for life drawings. He then traveled to Rome in 1600, where Raphael and other painters that dealt with classical and mythological themes influenced his work. Reni was commissioned to paint frescoes; the most famous of these was Aurora and the Hours, done for the Borghese family.

Date of issue: 15 December 1973

Design: after a painting by Guido Reni (1575-1642)

Engraving: Jean de Vos

Printing & editor: Rodan, Brussels

Size engraving: 48 x 32 mm.

Circulation: limited edition between 400 and 700*

* These etching where printed on a double folded mould-made paper sheet, on the inside the Christmas wishes were written or printed (see underneath an example). Some people kept the left side of this card, which made the “luxury sheet”; it goes without saying that the majority many were lost or damaged in the mail.

LX565A. Imperforated luxury sheet, carmine-pink.100F

Etching on mould-made paper

There are no variations or curiosities known for none of the above shown material.