LOVE CHERUB 2957 Plate Block of 4 x 32¢ US Postage Stamps

On May 12, 1995 in Lakeville PA, the USPS issued this 32 cent denominated stamp, earlier version was released without a denominaton. The child angels depicted on the stamp are from Raphael's 16th-century painting "Sistine Madonna." An extensive debate ensued over the stamp design. Some critics described the angels as "putti," whose role is related to mortal death rather than love. Others felt the images portrayed "genni," a type of guardian angel or attendant spirits. Postal authorities defended their choice in either case, declaring that the characters, isolated from the painting, were simply cherubs.