{"product_id":"1973-christmas-raphael-madonna-8-washington-dc-first-day-cover","title":"1973 Christmas Raphael Madonna 8¢ Washington, DC First Day Cover","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 1973 First Day Cover features the U.S. Christmas 8¢ stamps reproducing Raphael’s “The Small Cowper Madonna” from the National Gallery of Art. The Art Craft cachet depicts the same Renaissance painting in soft red tones with “Season’s Greetings” and holly accents, cancelled in Washington, DC on November 7, 1973.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIssued during the height of the traditional Christmas stamp program, these stamps highlighted fine art from American museums and were released annually to meet heavy holiday mail volume. The pairing of the famous Raphael with the National Gallery underscored the nation’s growing interest in cultural heritage during the early 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA notable detail is the vertical “FIRST DAY OF ISSUE” handstamp that bisects the block of four stamps, a common Art Craft production choice that creates an attractive split design across the cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollectors will appreciate the clean condition, vivid cachet coloring, and strong topical appeal for both Christmas and art-themed collections.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maple Springs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51392110723236,"sku":null,"price":4.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0580\/4713\/5908\/files\/20260629142241.jpg?v=1782776672","url":"https:\/\/maplespringsllc.com\/products\/1973-christmas-raphael-madonna-8-washington-dc-first-day-cover","provider":"Maple Springs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}