A new philatelic release by MaltaPost is forming part of the annual joint stamp project organised by the Postal Union for the Mediterranean (PUMed) with the theme “Traditional Mosaics in the Mediterranean,” celebrating one of the region’s most enduring artistic traditions.

MaltaPost is issuing two miniature sheets showcasing exceptional examples of mosaic art in Gozo and Malta from two distinct periods of Malta’s rich cultural heritage – the Roman and the Byzantine traditions.

For more than two millennia, mosaics have embellished palaces, villas, churches and other important buildings across the Mediterranean. Created by arranging thousands of small pieces of coloured stone, marble, glass or ceramic, these remarkable works of art combine extraordinary craftsmanship with enduring artistic expression.

The €3.00 miniature sheet reproduces the magnificent mosaic of Christ Pantocrator (Christ, Ruler of All), located in the Chapel of Adoration within the 17th-century Basilica of St George Martyr in Victoria, Gozo.

The chapel is richly adorned with Neo-Byzantine mosaics, with the iconic representation of Christ Pantocrator reflecting a tradition that has been central to Byzantine ecclesiastical art for centuries.

The stamp photograph was taken by Sebio Aquilina and is reproduced courtesy of St George’s Basilica.

The €2.00 miniature sheet features the celebrated Roman floor mosaic at the Domus Romana in Rabat. This important archaeological site contains the remains of an elegant Roman town house (domus) dating to the 1st century BC, when Malta formed part of the Roman Empire.

The mosaic decorating the peristyle floor is renowned for its intricate geometric border which creates a striking illusion of 3D depth. At its centre is a beautifully detailed “Drinking Doves” motif, depicting two birds perched on the rim of a bowl.

The stamp photograph was taken by Daniel Cilia and is reproduced courtesy of Heritage Malta.

Each miniature sheet contains one stamp measuring 35mm x 35mm, with a comb perforation of 13.75 x 13.75, and bearing the Maltese Cross watermark. The sheets measure 80mm x 80mm and were printed by Printex Ltd using the offset process. The issue consists of 8,000 stamps per miniature sheet.

The new philatelic issue will be available from all post offices in Malta and Gozo. Orders may be placed online at www.maltaphilately.com, or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c., 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001, via telephone 2596 1740 or e- mail info@maltaphilately.com

Photo: MaltaPost

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