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Universal Postal Union Centenary Scott 1530 thru 1537 issues of 1974 Set of 8 cacheted first day covers Letter writing theme or topic All covers fresh, clean. In 1974, in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Universal Postal Union, the United States Postal Service issued a beautiful set of commemorative stamps with the theme of reading and writing letters. The stamps employ fine art and a literary reference to illustrate the theme. Each of the eight stamps in the set features a famous work of art by an internationally renowned artist that reflects the theme. The works of art range from the early 16th century to the late 19th century. In keeping with the international organization being honored, only one work is by an American. The other artists whose works are featured are Italian, Japanese, Swiss, Dutch, French, English, and Spanish. The phrase “Letters mingle souls,” a quotation from a poem by John Donne, appears on every second stamp. The centennial that is being commemorated, “Universal Postal Union 1874-1974,” appears on the others. All eight are 10-cent stamps — the first-class domestic postage rate in 1974. The Art on the Stamps: Raphael, Heraclitus from "School of Athens" (1510-1511) Katsushika Hokusai, Woman Representing Literacy "Five Beautiful Women" (c. 1811) John Frederick Peto, "Old Time Letter Rack" (1894) Jean-Étienne Liotard, "La liseuse" (1746) Gerard ter Borch, "Woman Writing a Letter" (c. 1655) Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin, Inkwell and Quill from "Boy with a Top" (1738) Thomas Gainsborough, "Mrs. John Douglas" (1784) Francisco Goya, "Don Antonio Noriega" (1801) Get them for your collection! American Philatelic Society dealer member |
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