Virgil Bi-Millenary: The Joys of Family and Home
This carmine-red 75-centesimi stamp stems from the 1930 series honoring the bi-millenary of the Roman poet Virgil ("Secondo Millenario Virgiliano"). Overprinted with a distinct black "SOMALIA" across the top pediment architectural frame, the design references the pastoral tranquility of the Georgics (Book II). The poignant vignette illustrates a mother cradling her infant while another young child reaches up to embrace her, flanked by a resting farm animal and agricultural tools. The lower tablet bears the tender Latin inscription: "Interea dulces pendent circum oscula nati" ("Meanwhile, sweet children cling around her kisses"), celebrating the core Roman virtues of family, domestic stability, and simple rural life.