Issue date: 31 Oct, 2007
In these stamps devoted to Christmas, there is one modern design symbolising the Christmas festivity and a classic motif of renowned fame.
Illustrator, draughtsman and writer, Joan Ferrànis i Castells (Barcelona, 1917-1997) studied in the Escuela de Bellas Artes (school of fine arts) in Barcelona. He is known internationally as illustrator of Christmas motifs. He has also illustrated a large number of storybooks, cartoons and children’s books. His beautiful illustrations are there for posterity gathered in several storybooks and embossed books also bearing toys. These books are: Mariuca la castañera, La ratita presumida and La flauta mágica. However his work is specially known within the Christmas cards. Most of the designs of Christmas cards in the 50s and 60s were his and were decorated in great detail. The design featuring in the stamp depicts a work by Ferràndiz and reproduces a Christmas card with various characters bearing Christmas elements and merging from the inside of an air mail envelope.
The renaissance style sculpture by Damian Forment (Valencia, 1840, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, 1540) is a fragment of the altarpiece depicted in the stamp and featuring the Epiphany. Forment was educated in his father’s workshop and carried out throughout the XVI century an important activity in the making of altarpieces. Several of his pieces can be found in the region of Aragón. The Adoracion de los Pastores, made in alabaster and located in the cathedral of Huesca, is one of the many sculpture pieces scattered along cathedrals and temples in the region of Aragón.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.