D2201

Christmas Religious

Madonna and Child by Giovanni Battista

Cima

Collins Cover Announcement

1993 CHRISTMAS

Traditional Stamp

The stamp this year is based on the painting of the Madonna and Child done by Cima in the late 1400's. It is canceled on Issue Date at Raleigh, North Carolina.

My hand-painted cachet for this effort is a seasonal scene with which we're all familiar -- the manger. In this portrayal, the new-born babe lays in a straw-filled wooden cradle. Mary and Joseph are joined by a shepherd couple as they huddle around Him. Three sheep add to the barn-like setting which is lit by a lone lantern hanging on a beam and by starlight filtering in through a stone-lined window. The sturdy wood and solid stone interior of the manger, softly lighted, presents a very special and eye-pleasing setting for this most recent COLLINS Christmas FDC in a manner that only delicate hand-painting can achieve. 1993 Christmas Traditional. Item #D2201. $10.75.