Our Lady of Guapulo Forever Stamp 2020
Celebrating the Rich Tradition of Our Lady of Guapulo
This stamp is a tribute to the timeless beauty and significance of the painting "Our Lady of Guapulo" and its association with traditional Christmas themes.
Captured on the stamp is the revered artwork "Our Lady of Guapulo," a masterpiece attributed to an anonymous 18th-century artist from Cuzco, Peru. This iconic painting, now housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, portrays the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child adorned in resplendent crowns and regal attire, symbolizing the sacredness and majesty of the Christmas season.
The First Day of Issue Ceremony, conducted virtually amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, underscores the enduring importance of this cultural treasure. The stamp's First Day of Issue Cancellation from New York City, the home of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, pays homage to the painting's esteemed legacy.
Part of the esteemed Traditional Christmas Series, this stamp follows in the footsteps of iconic holiday-themed stamps issued by the Post Office over the years. From the inaugural Madonna and Child stamp in 1966 to the timeless depictions of traditional and contemporary holiday subjects, these stamps have become cherished symbols of the festive season.
The history behind "Our Lady of Guapulo" traces back to a miraculous event in 1696 in Guapulo, Ecuador, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in the clouds, offering solace and hope to the faithful. This divine encounter became a cornerstone of Guapulo's cultural heritage, inspiring devotion and reverence across Peru and Ecuador.
The painting itself, created by an unknown artist in 18th-century Cuzco, Peru, serves as a testament to the enduring spiritual connection between the Virgin Mary and the people of Peru and Ecuador. Adorned in opulent royal garments, the figures in "Our Lady of Guapulo" epitomize the profound significance of the Virgin Mary in the hearts and minds of the faithful.
By featuring "Our Lady of Guapulo" on a Forever stamp, the USPS pays homage to this sacred artwork and its enduring legacy, ensuring that its beauty and significance continue to inspire generations to come.
