Discovery of America 12.10.1963

These three stamps on the FDC are part of a eight stamp set of stamps on “Discovery of America”. A brief description of the personalities portrayed on the stamps is:

(80cts) José de Gálvez y Gallardo, marqués de Sonora (1720-1787), Spanish lawyer, and colonial official in New Spain (1764-1772) , ultimately Minister of the Indies.

(70cts) Vasco Núñez de Balboa (1475-1519), Spanish explorer, governor, and conquistador. He is best known for having crossed the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean in 1513, becoming the first European to lead an expedition to have seen or reached the Pacific from the New World.

(25cts) Junípero Serra, Spanish Franciscan friar who founded a mission in Baja California and the first nine of 21 Spanish missions in California from San Diego to San Francisco. He is also depicted on the first day cover.

Thank you Merja.

Wall mural "Nativity”, Sculptured by Jose Gines" 1.12.1961

The Wall mural Nativity, was Sculptured by Jose Gines. José Ginés was a Spanish sculptor born in Valencia in 1768 and died in Madrid in 1823. He trained at the Academy of San Carlos and subsequently that of San Fernando. His work was highly valued and received several awards throughout his career. He was honorary sculptor Chamber of King Carlos IV and first sculptor of of his successor, Fernando VII. His works include:

Thank you Merja.

Seventh Exposition of the Council of Europe dedicated to Romanesque art, Barcelona-Santiago de Compostela 24.7.1961

Spain released this complete mint set of four stamps on July 24, 1961, to commemorate the Seventh Exposition of the Council of Europe dedicated to Romanesque art, Barcelona-Santiago de Compostela,July 10- Oct. 10, 1961. The following artwork is attractuvely depicted: on the stamps:-

(25Ct) 'Portico de la Gloria', Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.  

(1Pta) Cloister of Santo Domingo de Silos Monastery.  

(2Pta) Virgin of Irache.

(3Pta) 'Christos Pantocrator' fresco from Tahull church.