Poste Italiane and Royal Mail issue stamps in honour of Leonardo da Vinci.

Italy's postal service Poste Italiane has launched a set of four stamps commemorating the 500th anniversary of the death of Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519).

The limited-edition set comprises reproductions of four images created by the master: Detail of studies of proportions of the face and eye, (Musei Reali – Biblioteca Reale in Turin); Adoration of the Magi (Uffizi); Portrait of Music, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana; Girl's head, La Scapiliata (National Gallery of Parma).

The issue of the stamps, which are valued at €1.10 each, follows the launch of a set of 12 stamps honouring Leonardo da Vinci by Britain's Royal Mail.

Exhibitions of works by da Vinci are currently on display in Rome and the Vatican as part of Italy's #leonardo500 celebrations.

Cover image: Leonardo da Vinci, La Scapiliata. Photo by Lorenzo Moreni (detail)

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