St. Aloysius College Chapel Paintings
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | January 12, 2001 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 15 |
| Quantity | 1,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ |
| Printer | Calcutta Security Printers Ltd |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1811 Stamp Number IN 1870 Yvert et Tellier IN 1577 Stanley Gibbons IN 1979 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Art | Paintings |
Table of Contents
Commemorative Stamp on the Paintings of St. Aloysius College Chapel, Mangalore
Design Elements:
Stamp Design:
- Description: The stamp portrays one of the panels from the central ceiling of St. Aloysius College Chapel, showcasing the early life of Aloysius Gonzaga, the Patron Saint of the College.
- Visuals: Rich in color and detail, the stamp captures the essence of Antonio Moscheni’s intricate work, with a masterful play of light and shade, creating a lifelike depiction of Aloysius. The stamp may also feature the vibrant colors that evoke a divine presence, representing the harmony of faith and art.
Key Features:
- Main Image: The image likely shows Aloysius Gonzaga in a significant moment of his early life, symbolizing his devotion and sacrifice.
- Artistic Style: The stamp reflects the frescoes and tempera styles used in the Chapel, embodying the Italian artistic techniques employed by Brother Moscheni.
- Historical Context: A brief mention of the Jesuit artist Antonio Moscheni and his two-year effort to complete these frescoes, likened to the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
Historical and Cultural Significance:
- Artistic Heritage: St. Aloysius College Chapel is renowned for its impressive collection of paintings, considered one of the finest examples of religious art in India. The stamp celebrates this national treasure, preserved for over a century.
- **Legacy of *Aloysius Gonzaga*: As the Patron Saint of St. Aloysius College, his life of devotion, sacrifice, and service to the sick during a plague in Rome is a powerful symbol of Jesuit values and religious faith, depicted beautifully in these paintings.
- Cultural Renaissance: The paintings are a testament to the cross-cultural exchange between India and Italy, reflecting European Renaissance art brought to Indian soil.
Commemorative Significance:
- Release Date: January 12, 2001, marks the 121st anniversary of the inauguration of St. Aloysius College in 1880, coinciding with the release of this commemorative stamp.
- Honoring a National Treasure: The issuance of this stamp recognizes the cultural and artistic heritage of the Chapel and its paintings, which are preserved by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
First Day Cover:
- Design: The first-day cover could depict the majestic Chapel interior, highlighting the large-scale frescoes and panels that cover its walls and ceiling. A smaller image of Antonio Moscheni at work might be included.
- Additional Features: A historical background on the Chapel, the life of Aloysius Gonzaga, and the artistic journey of Brother Antonio Moscheni, with details about the restoration efforts led by INTACH in 1993.
Educational and Inspirational Value:
- Art and Faith: The stamp serves as a reminder of how art has historically drawn from religious inspiration, creating works that not only reflect devotion but also elevate the spiritual experience of viewers.
- Cultural Significance: The stamp educates people about one of India’s most significant works of Christian art and the influence of Italian Renaissance techniques on Indian religious spaces.
The commemorative stamp is a tribute to the fusion of faith and artistic excellence, immortalizing the paintings of St. Aloysius College Chapel, a national treasure in Indian and world art history.