Issue date: 03 Nov, 2008
The Christmas issue traditionally features classic and modern paintings and this year’s stamps depict the Misterio-Belén del Principe, a Neapolitan and Spanish crib from the XVIII century, and the painting Maternidad by artist J. Carrero.
The Belén del Príncipe is a composition of various characters representing the birth of Jesus which are traditionally exhibited and displayed in a small grotto of a style in between classic and rustic. These main figures are usually displayed with the three wise men with their retinue, groups of angels and shepherds besides a large number of animals. Nativity scenes before the XVIII century where only displayed in convents. With the arrival of Charles III from Naples, he brought along these figures introducing cribs to the homes of the nobility and palaces where they are now exhibited. The figurines of this nativity scene were purchased for the Prince of Asturias and Prince Gabriel and were made by Neapolitan artists working at the Court. Most of the figures have their heads, hands, legs and arms carved in wood and others in clay. The body is a mannequin made out of tow and wire which allows them to move. The three main figures of this nativity scene are the baby Jesus resting on a manger, the Virgin Mary with a silk dress and her head covered and Saint Joseph with a yellow silk shawl over his right shoulder and gathered with his left hand. Both look lovingly at the baby.
The other stamp called Maternidad (Maternity) depicts the painting by artist J.Carrero. This Extremadura-born painter began his artistic career in the late 70’s and has exhibited in around fifty galleries and museums. The painter has found inspiration in the figure of a young mother carrying a naked baby. Both figures looked at sideways, stand out amongst shades of red that remind us of colours of the Poinsettia, the Christmas plant par excellence.
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