The Story of the First Madonna and Child Stamp in the U.S.

On November 1, 1966, a small town with a big name—Christmas, Michigan—made history when the U.S. Postal Service released its first Madonna and Child stamp. This release, centered on a 15th-century painting by Hans Memling titled Madonna and Child with Angels, marked a milestone for both the holiday season and American philately. The stamp, designed by Howard C. Mildner and modeled with exceptional detail, brought art and culture to the forefront of seasonal postage, quickly becoming a favorite across the country.

A Record-Breaking Stamp

The Madonna and Child stamp was immensely popular upon its release. Demand soared, leading the U.S. Postal Service to print over 1.1 billion copies in its initial run. This success prompted the release of a revised version in 1967. The new design, larger and with more of Memling’s original artwork visible, highlighted additional details such as Mary’s rich garments and a background panel, adding further depth to the stamp’s aesthetic appeal.

The production of this updated stamp involved five colors: dark brown, light brown, red, blue, and orange. By skillfully layering colors, the Postal Service created an impressive range of hues. For instance, blue ink was applied to form the tapestry, followed by orange to create a greenish tint—a meticulous process achieved on the Giori press, renowned for its color precision.

Printing Challenges and Artistic Collaboration

The stamp’s intricate design made it a technical marvel and a significant challenge for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). In fact, Deputy Postmaster General Frederick C. Belen described it as “the most difficult assignment ever undertaken by the BEP.” The collaboration involved some of the finest artists and printers of the time: Edward R. Felver contributed to the vignette, while Kenneth C. Wiram meticulously crafted the lettering.

The printing process combined both lithography and intaglio methods, ensuring that every line, shade, and detail of Memling’s painting was captured. This level of artistic dedication brought a touch of Renaissance art into the hands of everyday Americans, cementing the stamp’s place in philatelic history.

Navigating the Religious Theme

While the Madonna and Child stamp was visually and technically impressive, it stirred debate within the Postal Service regarding its religious theme. The stamp’s religious imagery prompted officials to seek legal guidance to ensure it wouldn’t violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. On March 22, 1966, an assistant to the Postmaster General even consulted a legal advisor to evaluate whether this design would cross any constitutional boundaries.

In response to these concerns, the Postal Service issued a non-religious Christmas stamp in 1969, opting for a design based on Winter Sunday in Norway, Maine, a painting that conveyed a festive but secular theme. This approach set a precedent for including both religious and non-religious holiday stamps, allowing for greater diversity in holiday representation.

An Enduring Legacy

The Madonna and Child stamp is more than a seasonal decoration; it represents the Postal Service’s commitment to art, culture, and inclusive holiday traditions. This iconic 1966 stamp, and its larger 1967 counterpart, remain favorites among collectors, reminding us of the Postal Service’s dedication to technical excellence and artistic expression. The balance struck between cultural representation and constitutional considerations ultimately paved the way for future holiday stamp designs, enriching America’s philatelic tradition.

Learn more about the rich history of the Central Upper Peninsula.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.