Christmas: SASSOFERRATO VIRGIN & CHILD
Commemorative Stamp

Since 1978, the theme of each “traditional” Christmas stamp has been the Madonna and Child. The 2009 Christmas stamp features Madonna and Sleeping Child, a painting by Italian artist Giovanni Battista Salvi (1609-1685), more commonly known as Sassoferrato. The painting is currently in the collection at Hearst Castle®. The issuance of the stamp coincides with the 400th anniversary of the birth of the artist.

The First-Day-of-Issue Dedication Ceremony for the 2009 Christmas: “Madonna and Sleeping Child” by Sassoferrato 44-cent First-Class stamp will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 11:00 am at the Hearst Castle hilltop estate. The original painting will be on display at the ceremony. Visitors may purchase the stamps on the hilltop during the ceremony.

The event is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. To make a reservation, please call 1-866-268-3243 no later than Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

Buses will provide transportation for the attendees to the hilltop ceremony from the Hearst Castle Visitor Center. Parking is available in the Visitor Center parking lot.

Following the ceremony, representatives of the United States Postal Service will be located in the Hearst Castle Visitor Center for stamp sales and cancellations until 5:00 pm. On Wednesday, October 21 st, Thursday, October 22 nd and Friday, October 23 rd, this station will be open at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Sassoferrato spent much of his career painting Madonna and Child portraits for private devotion by his patrons. Some art historians see these works as having been inspired by the works of Raphael. Today, more than 300 examples of Sassoferrato’s artistry can be found in churches, museums, and private collections.

The version of Madonna and Sleeping Child shown on this stamp was purchased in 1926 by American media entrepreneur William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951). An avid collector and patron of the arts, Hearst amassed a renowned collection of artwork and artifacts. Hearst Castle, located in San Simeon, California served as his private residence. Today, Hearst Castle is part of the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the historic estate is open to the public for tours.

Hearst Castle is located at 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, California 93452.