| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | November 2, 2023 |
| Year | 2023 |
| Quantity | 5,400,000 |
| Denomination |
 PERMANENT™ (P).Current monetary value: $0.92. |
| Series | Christmas 2023 |
| Series Time Span | 2023 |
| Postal Administration | Canada |
Canada Post continues its annual tradition of Christmas stamps with The Madonna and Child domestic rate stamps. The featured design, created by Adrian Horvath, evokes the style of stained-glass windows found in churches, emphasizing the timeless beauty of the Madonna and Child.
Canada Post has a long-standing tradition of Christmas-themed stamps, a practice that has been in place since 1964. Recognizing the diverse sentiments surrounding the holiday season, Recognizing the diverse sentiments surrounding the holiday season, since 2005, mailers and collectors have been able to choose either sacred Christmas stamps or secular Holiday stamps.
These popular stamps are released in advance of the season, so you can use them for your Christmas mail.
The Madonna, from the old Italian ma donna (my lady), is one of the most frequently depicted figures in European Christian art. Wall paintings of Mary appeared in the Roman catacombs.
During those first centuries of Christianity, Mary was sometimes shown alone, her hands outstretched in a gesture of prayer. In 431, she received the official title of Theotokos (literally God bearer, or Mother of God) from the Council of Ephesus, a move that inspired a proliferation of religious art pairing her with the newborn Jesus.
During the Middle Ages, Mary was often shown seated on a throne, the baby perched on her lap. Dressed in blue and surrounded by saints or angels, she evoked links to the heavenly realm.
Over the centuries, artists incorporated cultural references and influences from their own era. Images became more intimate and maternal, with Mary cradling the Holy Infant, much like the depiction on this stamp.
Designed by Adrian Horvath, this stamp shows the Madonna and Child in a style reminiscent of the stained-glass windows found in churches.
The stamp is a blend of cream, and pastel green and pink. The colourful line-drawn design style depicts the loving embrace of mother and child against a background of stained-glass-inspired imagery. The newborn Jesus is cradled in Mary’s arm, and she gently gazes down with love.
Canada Post continued its nearly 60-year tradition with these Christmas and holiday stamp issues that capture the spirit of the season.
Since 1964, Canadians have been encouraged to make their mail merrier with annual Christmas and holiday stamps. This year’s stamps once again include both sacred and secular imagery.
There is something enchanting and intrinsically Canadian about a snow-covered landscape. Whether it brings back childhood memories of playing in freshly fallen snow or reminds us of the joy of past holiday celebrations, the icy beauty around us evokes a sense of wonder.
Illustrator Tim Zeltner's multilayered illustration technique skillfully captures the frosty splendour of our Canadian winters, employing cool tones and layered images to provide a vivid sense of depth and perspective.
The three stamps collectively offer a diverse cross-section of winter landscapes from across the country.
Designed by Jocelyne Saulnier of Joce Creative and illustrated by Tim Zeltner, this stamp issue features charming and evocative illustrations of Canadian winter scenes: a mountain village (Permanent™ domestic rate), a frozen pond perfect for skating in a snow-covered valley (U.S. rate) and a rugged coastal landscape (international rate ).
The snow areas were overprinted with a clear pearl ink to enhance to snow and give it dimension.