Goya Commemorative Stamp Series (featuring La Maja Desnuda)
Philatelic display / Commemorative print and original postage stamps • Original painting by Francisco de Goya; Stamp engraving by the Spanish Royal Mint (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre)
Style & Movement
Romanticism (source imagery) / Philatelic Art
Medium & Technique
Photomechanical reproduction (enlargement) and Intaglio/Engraved postage stamps on paper
Creation Period
Original stamps issued 1930; display/frame assembly likely mid-to-late 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 12 x 16 inches framed; Portrait orientation for the overall assembly with landscape-oriented individual stamps
Subject Description
The display features Francisco de Goya’s 'La Maja Desnuda' (The Nude Maja). The central large image is an enlarged reproduction of the 4 Peseta stamp. Below are four original postage stamps from the 1930 'Quinta de Goya' series, showcasing different denominations and colors (likely the 1, 2, and 10 Peseta values). The subject is an unapologetic female nude reclining on cushions.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair - The stamps appear well-preserved, but the large enlargement shows signs of toning/browning and potential moisture damage (warping or foxing)
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely a specialty philatelic souvenir marketed to art collectors or stamp enthusiasts. No specific individual provenance marks are visible on the exterior.
Art Historical Significance
The stamps themselves are historically significant as the first stamps in the world to feature a female nude, causing considerable controversy and a ban by the US Post Office in 1930. This display commemorates Goya's lasting impact on Spanish culture during the centenary of his death.
Notable Features
Includes a set of 'Quinta de Goya' (Goya's House) issue stamps, which are iconic in the philatelic world for their 'scandalous' history.
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing of the paper (acidification), slight buckling of the large print, and scratches on the black frame molding.
Conservation Recommendations
Remount using acid-free matting; replace current glass with UV-protective acrylic to prevent further fading of the stamp inks.