One of six Love stamps issued in 1995 – the most Love stamps issued in a single year up to that point.
A water-activated sheet stamp was issued at the same time as this self-adhesive booklet stamp.
The cherub on the stamp was controversial, with some citing such child angels were usually associated with death, not love.
Why the stamp was issued: Love stamps are normally issued predominantly for use on Valentine’s mail. However, the 1995 rate change wasn’t set until late 1994. So a pair of non-denominated love stamps were issued on time for the holiday, while 32¢ denominated stamps were issued later in the year. Love stamps are also popular for use on greeting cards and wedding correspondence.
About the stamp design: For the 1995 Love stamp designs, the USPS, was inspired by a postcard picturing two child angels. The angels were taken from Raphael’s massive masterpiece, the 9-foot x 6 ½-foot Sistine Madonna. The USPS thought they would be perfect for Love stamps. The 32¢ stamp features the left-hand angel in a vertical format.