Italy 1974 – 1976 Architecture /Tourist Publicity – Paintings – FDC complete set
During the mid-1970s, Italy released several distinct sets of stamps that combined architecture, tourism, and classical paintings. Collectors often group these into specialized First Day Cover (FDC) sets, particularly those featuring silk-screened illustrations or specific city cancellations.
The “Paintings” and “Tourist Publicity” sets from 1974–1976 are part of the broader “Turistica” and “Arte Italiana” series.
Key Sets & Subjects (1974–1976)
These issues typically featured masterpieces from Italian museums and landmarks.
| Year | Theme / Subject | Artistic Work / Landmark |
| 1974 | Arte Italiana (Series 1) | Jacopo della Quercia (Fonte Gaia) and Giorgio Vasari (Uffizi Gallery) |
| 1974 | Tourism & Art | Norman Art in Sicily (Martorana Church and Monreale Cathedral) |
| 1975 | Arte Italiana (Series 2) | Guido Reni (L’Aurora) and Armando Spadini (I fanciulli) |
| 1975 | Michelangelo 500th Anniv. | The “Tondo Pitti” and various sculptural details |
| 1976 | Arte Italiana (Series 3) | Umberto Boccioni (Woman at the Table) and Carpaccio (St. George) |
| 1976 | Tourist Publicity | Fenis Castle (Aosta), Valle d’Itria, and Titian’s Flora |
FDC (First Day Cover) Variations
If you are looking for a “complete set,” collectors usually seek one of two formats:
- Standard Ministerial FDCs: These are the official envelopes issued by the Italian Post with a standard cachet (illustration) on the left.
- Silk Cachet FDCs (e.g., Colorano or Filagrano): These are highly decorative and feature a piece of silk fabric with a high-quality reproduction of the painting or building featured on the stamp.
Philatelic Details
- Designers: Many of these were designed by Eros Donnini or Luigi Gasbarra, known for their intricate line-engraving.
- Cancellations: Each FDC usually carries a “First Day” postmark from a relevant city (e.g., Florence for the Vasari/Uffizi stamps or Venice for the Carpaccio stamps).
- Market Value: A complete set of FDCs for the 1974–1976 “Art and Tourism” issues typically retails between $20.00 and $35.00, depending on the brand of the cachet.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.