Christmas Stamps 2017
It’s that time again! The festive season is just around the corner and you are probably starting to plan your Christmas and to make a few trips to the shops! After all, those presents aren’t going to buy themselves! But before you do anything else, don’t forget to invest in this year’s Christmas 2017 stamps.
In 2017, Royal Mail are issuing 12 stamps for Christmas encompassing two very different styles and themes. Eight stamps feature depictions of the Madonna and Child whilst four showcase the two winning designs from a children’s competition.
2017 Christmas Madonna and Child set of stamps
Madonna and Child
The Madonna and child is a Christian image which dates back to Roman times. The nature of the depictions has changed much across the centuries. But for this year’s Christmas stamps, Royal Mail has chosen to focus on paintings which portray the intimate relationship between mother and child. This form of iconography evolved during the renaissance when the paintings were often intended for personal devotion. Showing the Madonna and Jesus in close physical contact, the images feel more natural than pre-renaissance compositions.
2nd Class and 2nd Class Large
Virgin and Child (detail) attributed to Dutch artist, Gerard David. Dating to circa 1520, this work is on display in The Prado, Madrid.
1st Class and 1st Class Large
The Madonna and Child (detail) by Scottish artist William Dyce. This 1845 composition is a feature of the Royal Collection and was a favourite of Queen Victoria.
£1.17
Virgin Mary with Child (detail) is attributed to Belgian artist Quinten Massys and is be found at the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid.
£1.40
The Small Cowper Madonna (detail) by renaissance master Raphael dates from circa 1505 and is exhibited at the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
£1.57
The Sleep of the Infant Jesus (detail) by Giovanni Battista Sassoferrato, was painted circa 1645 and is exhibited at the Musée du Louvre, Paris.
£2.27
Saint Luke Painting the Virgin (detail) by Austrian artist Eduard Jakob von Steinle, is an 1851 painting from the Royal Collection.
Christmas Competition Stamps
Children’s Christmas 2017 – Winning Stamp Designs
To encourage their artistic endeavours, children were invited to design Christmas stamps which demonstrated what the festive season meant to them. There were over 200,000 entries from primary school kids, home educated youngsters, Cubs and Brownies. The Prince of Wales selected the two winning designs.
2nd Class and 2nd Class Large
‘Snow Family’ by nine-year-old Arwen Wilson from Dudley, West Midlands.
1st Class and 1st Class Large
‘Santa Claus on his sleigh on a starry night’ designed by ten-year-old Ted Lewis-Clark from Frome in Somerset.
So, there you have it! The Christmas stamps for 2017 offer two very different looks for the season of goodwill. From renaissance masterpieces to the charming designs created by schoolchildren, this year’s stamps celebrate both the fun factor of the festivities and fascinating images of the Madonna and child. In addition to the beautiful stamps, the issue also includes a first day cover, presentation pack, generic sheet and stamp cards – good news if you are struggling to find the right gifts this Christmas!