New Christmas stamps based on Emvin Cremona works

This year's set of Christmas stamps, a replica of mosaic pictures, copied from the paintings of renowned Maltese artist Emvin Cremona, has been issued by Maltapost's philatelic bureau.

The four stamps come in face values of 7c, 16c, 22c and 50c.

The background of the new Christmas stamps shows ornate sculpture in Maltese stone by Gozitan artist Wistin Camilleri and the set has been designed by his son Paul Camilleri Cauchi.

The stamps are printed on Maltese Crosses watermarked paper and are available in sheets of 10.

They have been described as an exceptionally beautiful set, allowing for the admiration of the artistic beauty that embellishes the national sanctuary of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu in Gozo.

The 7c stamp, depicting The Nativity, shows the Virgin Mary dressed in white, symbolising her purity, adoring and at the same time placing Baby Jesus in the manger. This is one of a set of seven paintings around the upper front part of the sanctuary.

The Annunciation, on the 16c stamp, is regarded as one of the most beautiful paintings by Prof. Cremona and is found on one of the sanctuary's lateral altars.

The 22c stamp shows The Adoration of the Magi and the 50c stamp shows the Flight into Egypt.

The 7c and 16c stamps from this year's Christmas issue are also available for those wishing to use them in conjunction with personalised stamp orders.

The set is available in first day cover format, mint, or cancelled, as a souvenir folder and as a presentation pack from all Maltapost branch post offices in Malta and Gozo and from Maltapost's mobile unit.

Further information is available from the philatelic bureau on 2123 9153 or via e-mail at philately@maltapost.com.