1980 Stamp Appraisal

USSR 1980 Postage Stamp - Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (Self-Portrait with Vénus Anadyomène)

This item is a used postage stamp from the Soviet Union (USSR), likely issued in 1980 as indicated by the '1980' year printed at the top right of the stamp. The stamp features a portrait of a male artist, identified in Cyrillic script at the bottom as "ЖАН ОГЮСТ ДОМИНИК ЭНГР" (Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres), with his birth and death years "1780-1867" below his name. The artist is depicted holding what appears to be a brush or stylus, and in the background to his right, there is a classical nude female figure, possibly representing Ingres' painting 'Vénus Anadyomène'. The color palette predominantly features warm earthy tones, with the artist's skin tone and the background exhibiting shades of brown and ochre, contrasted by his dark jacket and white shirt. The denomination '32к' (32 kopecks) is visible in the upper right corner. The stamp measures approximately 2.5 cm by 3.5 cm, with standard perforations around its perimeter, indicating it was intended for postal use. The condition appears to be good, with no obvious major tears or creases, although some minor wear consistent with its age and potential handling is visible along the edges and perforations. The colors remain relatively vibrant, suggesting it has been preserved reasonably well. This stamp is a philatelic item, likely part of a series honoring painters or significant cultural figures, characteristic of state-issued stamps that often depicted national achievements or cultural icons during the Soviet era. Its age places it within the late Soviet period.