To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the birth of Italian Baroque artist Mattia Preti, MaltaPost will on the 23rd February 2013, issue a miniature sheet bearing 2 stamps.

The stamps have face value of €0.97 and €1.87 reproducing Preti's paintings: "The Baptism of Christ" and the artist‘s self portrait respectively. The miniature sheet portrays the image of an angel looking upwards, this picture was crafted by Preti using sanguine (Red Chalk) on paper.

25,000 miniature sheets will be produced. The miniature sheet was designed by Edward D. Pirotta. The size of the stamps are 44.0mm x 31.0mm & 35mmx 35mm with a perforation of 13.9 x 14.0 (comb), while the miniature sheet measures 120mm x 80mm. All stamps have been offset printed on Maltese Crosses watermarked paper by Printex Limited and are available in miniature sheets.

Together with this miniature sheet, MaltaPost will issue a Limited Edition Silver Replica Stamp depicting Mattia Preti's self portrait. This Silver Replica Stamp is a stunning reproduction of the €1.87 stamp and is struck in 999.0 Silver. Each stamp is individually numbered and the issue is limited to a maximum of 2,000 pieces. The stamp will be presented in an elegant presentation box with Certificate of Authenticity.

The Philatelic Bureau will also publish a Commemorative Folder, which includes an individually numbered miniature sheet and a short message by the Hon Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi. These Commemorative Folders can be reserved so as to also allow collectors to match the folder with the numbered silver replica order.

The set "400th Anniversary of the birth of Mattia Preti - 24 February 1613" together with the Silver Stamp Replica and Commemorative Folder will be available for sale from all Post Offices as from Saturday 23 February. Orders may be placed online at maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Triq Ħal Qormi, Marsa, MTP 1001 - Telephone 2596 1740 - e-mail: info@maltaphilately.com

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