Christmas, 1977
The
Flemish baroque painter Peter Paul
Rubens, born June 28, 1577, died May 30, 1640 was the most
renowned northern European artist of his day, and is now widely recognized as
one of the foremost painters in Western art history.
The painting “Adoration of the Magi” (also Adoration of the Kings) was painted circa 1933. The Gospel of St. Matthew (2:1-12) tells how certain Magi (the Wisemen) from the Orient arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 'Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We observed the rising of his star, and we have come to pay him homage.' (Mat. 2:2-3). King Herod and his court were greatly perturbed on hearing this; he asked the magi to report to him after they found the Child, so he too could go and worship him. Guided by the star, the magi discovered the Infant in a house at Bethlehem, worshiped him and presented him with their gifts. A dream warned the magi not to return to Herod’s court and they set off instead for their own country by another route.
Date of issue: 19 December 1977
Expiration date:
Design: “L’adoration des Images” by Peter Paul Rubens
Printing:
Perforation: 14
Size: 50 x 40 mm
Circulation: 18,000
No 917. 5z (from block)
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Block 24. Imperforated (size 81 x 95.5 mm):
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The imperforated block is in size and coloring exact the same as above:
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There are no variations or curiosities known for any of the above shown material.