tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52524322068557389552024-03-13T14:50:16.715-07:00French Stamp Engravers!Collecting the Engraved Stamps of France & French ColoniesComic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-18626118605009588772019-06-25T01:44:00.001-07:002019-06-25T01:44:36.729-07:00France 1979 - Tourism Series (Part 7)<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was the product of an inherited fortune. It employed an architect so obsessed with perfection, he razed whole sections of the building to the ground if they didn't meet with the approval of his hyper-critical eye. From the time of its construction in 1630 till 1905 when it was purchased by the state, it passed through the hands of no less than seven different families. It was even visited by Louis XIV in April 1651.<br />
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The Château de Maisons, which is now called Château de Maisons-Laffitte, is located in Maisons-Laffitte, a northwestern suburb of Paris, in the department of Yvelines, Île-de-France. Construction of the château was commissioned in 1630 by René de Longueil using the funds from a fortune inherited by his wife, Madeleine Boulenc de Crévecœur, who died six years later in 1636, never to see the fruits of her inheritance. By 1651 the château was complete, and it was in this year that it played host to King Louis XIV in April.<br />
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The Château de Maisons was designed by François Mansart in the French baroque architectural style. According to a pamphlet entitled, <i>La Mansarade,</i> the architect realised, after completing the construction of the first floor of the château, that he had committed an error in the plans So in a ludicrously egocentric move, he apparently razed everything built so far to the ground in order to start afresh! A tall tale? Who knows. But it certainly makes for a compelling story.<br />
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René de Longueil died in 1677, and the château remained in his family until 1732. Between that date and 1905 it passed through the hands of no less than seven families. Too many to list here. For a full history of the château, click <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Maisons" target="_blank">HERE</a>. In 1905, the State purchased the château in order to save it from demolition. Then in 1914 it was deemed an historical monument. <br />
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On 9 July, 1979, France issued a set of seven stamps in their ongoing Tourism series. To read the previous six parts, simply click on the relevant link. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-5.html" target="_blank">Part 5</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-6.html" target="_blank">Part 6</a>. In this blog I'll take a close look at the final stamp in this series, the 0,45 value. This stamp depicts the Château de Maisons, which is now called Château de Maisons-Laffitte. This stamp was designed and engraved by Pierre Forget. Contrary to the stamp depicting an architectural monument that I studied in Part 6, I think this one is a true stunner. A far more interesting and visually appealing design than the stamp shown in Part 6. But that's just my humble opinion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnw1-HF37Hpe3dKpwZJ8UxOXhfDsmVu4l9dN-L1DkXcNO3H1bbDthAulwIjmuhWh2fGn3_W28ytd-U6HXLauvO_V4kNkg-mKiwBqTEQK_uwOhH4UHQ3Jt2MH1fTO05TfGt5fy4DbdEws/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnw1-HF37Hpe3dKpwZJ8UxOXhfDsmVu4l9dN-L1DkXcNO3H1bbDthAulwIjmuhWh2fGn3_W28ytd-U6HXLauvO_V4kNkg-mKiwBqTEQK_uwOhH4UHQ3Jt2MH1fTO05TfGt5fy4DbdEws/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This stamp has, in my eyes, a somewhat Decaris-esque quality. If compared to Decaris' 1946 Luxembourg Palace design, we can see a marked similarity of line style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhhyd8aHs6kbdsy2jBa54dGjIxL6uvYWzgSO07YfG5HmT_0s0M3gVEPLyJagZxaaxzeI7Is-L9_ZF2_CH5fSMgJpXCHncLJlGw-NB7z78vzra_xFvcoRc_l9LXr-TrO-lzF2yySP-dFk/s1600/IMG_0013+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1017" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhhyd8aHs6kbdsy2jBa54dGjIxL6uvYWzgSO07YfG5HmT_0s0M3gVEPLyJagZxaaxzeI7Is-L9_ZF2_CH5fSMgJpXCHncLJlGw-NB7z78vzra_xFvcoRc_l9LXr-TrO-lzF2yySP-dFk/s640/IMG_0013+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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Indeed, even the 1948 Saarland architectural stamp by Decaris bears some similarity, I feel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW_2fH7dHjfMY7ASWL5iBCvCIgeqqKRE8rS53f4oJex6btpD3AaYrI9BL5hn-sO0Sne3vgMpkLJUziOO4iUxfneGym8uV3heRepWed8_T223t_IcHNFoVC-q-7id2kyTDREWdL9Z8wpU/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1055" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW_2fH7dHjfMY7ASWL5iBCvCIgeqqKRE8rS53f4oJex6btpD3AaYrI9BL5hn-sO0Sne3vgMpkLJUziOO4iUxfneGym8uV3heRepWed8_T223t_IcHNFoVC-q-7id2kyTDREWdL9Z8wpU/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25285%2529.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-31596528323628932132019-06-21T01:37:00.001-07:002019-06-21T01:37:16.571-07:00France 1979 - Tourism Series (Part 6)<div style="text-align: justify;">
For several centuries it was considered one of the richest, if not <i>the </i>richest, of Abbeys in France. It was the hub of intellectual life in the French Catholic church, housing one of the most important scriptoriums in the country. It was pillaged and burned by Vikings, then like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it was restored to its former glory only to have portions blow up, towers collapse and other forms of atrocious wonders. This is the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris.</div>
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Founded in the 6th Century by Childebert I, who was the son of Clovis I, the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés was built on the outskirts of early medieval Paris, in a region of the Left Bank that was quite prone to flooding from the Seine. Consequently, it was established on slightly raised meadow land, known in French as a prés. Hence the name it has been given. By the 9th Century it was already considered one of the richest abbeys in France, as evidenced by its polyptych (an inventory of properties owned by the church). It was also in this century that it was the victim of several Viking onslaughts, which left parts of the church grounds little more than smoking ruins. By 1014 it had risen from the ashes and was restored to something akin to is former glory, possibly even more glorious. </div>
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Over the course of the next two centuries, its riches and stature grew, and by the 11th Century, the church contained what was considered an "important" scriptorium, a polite way of saying a kick butt library! In fact, the abbey was the hub of the Catholic church's intelligentsia right up until the French Revolution when it was disbanded. But this wasn't the end of the destruction inflicted upon the abbey. In 1794 a fire broke out completely destroying its library. And at some point (I'm assuming around this time but haven't been able to find a date yet) an explosion of stored saltpeter totally levelled the abbey and its cloisters. Only the church itself was spared in this particular disaster. To this day the abbey church remains as the <i>Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés</i>. It is one of the oldest, and perhaps one of the most unlucky, churches in Paris.</div>
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On 9 July, 1979, France issued a set of seven stamps in their ongoing Tourism series. To read the previous five parts, simply click on the relevant link. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-5.html" target="_blank">Part 5</a>. In this blog I'll take a close look at the 1,40 stamp, which depicts the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This stamp was designed and engraved by Jacques Gauthier. This stamp has been executed in a 2D front elevation style akin to an architectural drawing. Personally, I'm not very partial to this design. For an abbey with such a remarkable history, I would have thought a stamp with a far more dynamic representation of the building was in order. I'm sure there are those out there that love its detailed simplicity. And that's totally fine. But I don't. I consider it rather boring. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFbnFigaCZ2CCdotTzKi8GeYjQFI9nM6KREuNoNZeT0ERRHs1BcBeKlvyWSjxSl82__jLCB5DGVlhEwaRoT62UFZQRgSLRT6woiSIRZcgAiAE1ndX8U04w1a6_043lLYo7Y4p9HJD8lo/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFbnFigaCZ2CCdotTzKi8GeYjQFI9nM6KREuNoNZeT0ERRHs1BcBeKlvyWSjxSl82__jLCB5DGVlhEwaRoT62UFZQRgSLRT6woiSIRZcgAiAE1ndX8U04w1a6_043lLYo7Y4p9HJD8lo/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-67105872237191053042019-06-19T02:56:00.000-07:002019-06-19T02:56:25.735-07:00France 1979 - Tourism Series (Part 5)<div style="text-align: justify;">
The last battle of the Breton War of Succession was fought here in 1364. In 1776, at the beginning of the US War of Independence, Benjamin Franklin came through here in his way to meet with Louis XVI to seek military aid. In 1795, 750 rebels were shot and buried here. Its train station was of vital strategic importance during WWII. Its inhabitants are called Alréens. This is Auray, a commune in the Morbihan department in Brittany, northwestern France. Aside from its rather checkered history, Auray is home to some breathtaking architecture. From bridges and fountains to churches and stunning timber houses, a stroll through the city is well worth it.</div>
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On 9 July, 1979, France issued a set of seven stamps in their ongoing Tourism series. To read the previous four parts, simply click on the relevant link. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a> In this blog I'll take a close look at the 1,00 stamp, which depicts a gorgeous wooden house in the town square of Auray. This stamp was designed and engraved by Claude Haley. This particular stamp is quite special in that it won Haley the 1979 Philatelic Art Grand Prize. A very worthy winner. This stamp is crammed with an amazing level of detail.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaCY6Jl8J77p_9erCi4mfyjGlZNxXC6fytu-_EOwn0-UdowCQGoQOSPVFwPMY1sY2Md1mrZ6w2VWLZ-Eyg2AphydozXh4wGo_CixnfAVboSPmvMNPnXpA1NJu25K3Ida4gA3ypK7XKcU/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaCY6Jl8J77p_9erCi4mfyjGlZNxXC6fytu-_EOwn0-UdowCQGoQOSPVFwPMY1sY2Md1mrZ6w2VWLZ-Eyg2AphydozXh4wGo_CixnfAVboSPmvMNPnXpA1NJu25K3Ida4gA3ypK7XKcU/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA4zYXISCwhOO23ipxHNvfB8fvFzEQ0NGKn0Xn-bc835lIeKYWIUSxoUD21KM58snJTIWVsJnvqehwHa0S149-UsOp4_HaLr0SrqLSq4kTPPauiCmqlMXT-Bh6c8z_vK6nayRWQHGKd8/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="991" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA4zYXISCwhOO23ipxHNvfB8fvFzEQ0NGKn0Xn-bc835lIeKYWIUSxoUD21KM58snJTIWVsJnvqehwHa0S149-UsOp4_HaLr0SrqLSq4kTPPauiCmqlMXT-Bh6c8z_vK6nayRWQHGKd8/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-6418857943141236392019-06-18T01:13:00.000-07:002019-06-18T01:13:01.633-07:00France 1979 - Tourism Series (Part 4)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ever wondered what a stamp would look like as a playing card? This is a question French stamp engraver and designer, Pierre Forget, set out to answer in 1979 to commemorate Norman abbeys. Two abbeys were chosen for this cutting edge stamp design: the Abbey of St-Pierre-sur-Dives and Bernay Abbey. Without further ado, let us delve...</div>
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Its stunning towers loom large over the sleepy town of St-Pierre-sur-Dives. The Abbey of St-Pierre-sur-Dives, <i>Abbaye Saint-Pierre sur Dives</i>, was founded in the 11th century by Countess Lesceline, who happened to be the great-aunt of William the Conqueror. It was originally built to house a community of nuns. At some point over the course of the next century, the nuns were replaced by Benedictine monks from the Abbey of the Holy Trinity in Rouen. The abbey as it stands today is very different from its original design. It was rebuilt between the 13th and 15th centuries, during a time known as the Gothic period. Having said this, the church still contains the tomb of its founder, Countess Lesceline.</div>
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Bernay Abbey, A<i>bbaye Notre-Dame de Bernay</i> was founded in the 11th century by Judith of Brittany. Judith was the daughter of Conan I of Rennes and wife of Richard II, Duke of Normandy. The original design was ahead of its time, being one of the first examples of Romanesque architecture in Normandy. The church was listed as an historic monument in 1862.</div>
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On 9 July, 1979, France issued a set of seven stamps in their ongoing Tourism series. To read the previous three parts, simply click on the relevant link. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a>. In this blog I'll take a close look at the 1,00 stamp, which depicts both Abbey of St-Pierre-sur-Dives and Bernay Abbey in a funky playing card style. This stamp was designed and engraved by Pierre Forget. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlVM37JyajDzMKslCKLPzWQaEmbbAoEJ8aKEec3i71R-kzs0neflzWnKxKpI9CzSkFOR-2obHkISGPs2aRTuTJOZ-dTPzlMxvnWSujRMueYZRi8iArQAHjS9f_Zx25LQJJqBl8i1PGNk/s1600/IMG_0001+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1069" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlVM37JyajDzMKslCKLPzWQaEmbbAoEJ8aKEec3i71R-kzs0neflzWnKxKpI9CzSkFOR-2obHkISGPs2aRTuTJOZ-dTPzlMxvnWSujRMueYZRi8iArQAHjS9f_Zx25LQJJqBl8i1PGNk/s640/IMG_0001+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This stamp is truly fantastic. The top half commemorates Abbey St-Pierre-sur-Dives. At the bottom of the stamp, in the inverted style of a playing card graphic, is a representation of Barney Abbey. Aside from the glorious engravings of the church interiors, this stamp has a couple of other interesting features. If you look to the top right, you will come across this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2sKWH_3IpYkMRu2s_RaeI69Dc4NRlJrW62b2bEQHnb0fbxKV7CswK2dJjR67MnSbH9cAPsTZ8olTzy7KD0dvzqACwpOseMLfVbQFb2jDg1SJWDE0-_aAWk4AUm7QKBr1WP4hv7T24Ck/s1600/IMG_0001+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25283%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="208" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2sKWH_3IpYkMRu2s_RaeI69Dc4NRlJrW62b2bEQHnb0fbxKV7CswK2dJjR67MnSbH9cAPsTZ8olTzy7KD0dvzqACwpOseMLfVbQFb2jDg1SJWDE0-_aAWk4AUm7QKBr1WP4hv7T24Ck/s640/IMG_0001+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25283%2529+-+Copy.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
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Forget has ingeniously added the letter N for Normandy in theform of a vault in the ceiling. Below this we see the letters AA forming a cross with a Cross of the Abbey,. The AA stands for A year of Abbeys. Pretty cool.</div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-82775540999403732092019-06-15T08:29:00.000-07:002019-06-15T08:29:39.438-07:00Andorra 1944 - Definitives (Part 3)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Andorra is a landlocked sovereign microstate on the Iberian Peninsula, in the eastern Pyrenees. It borders Spain to the south and France to the north. It is traditionally believed that Andorra was created by Charles the Great (Charlemagne) in the 8th century where he was said to have installed some five thousand soldiers in the area to act as a protective force in return for local help in defeating the Moors. Whatever the case, it is certainly known that the state was transferred to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Urgell in 988. And the principality, as it to this day stands, was formed by a charter in 1278. This is, of course, a fly by version of the fascinating history of Andorra. To read more of its history, click <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andorra" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </div>
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Between 1944 and 1947 Andorra issued a stunning set of twenty definitive stamps. The set includes four different designs, all engraved by Achille Ouvré. In this blog we shall study the third design in this set, depicting Old Andorra, <i>Andorra La Vielle</i>. To study the first two designs, click the relevant link. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2018/04/andorra-1944-definitives-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2018/04/andorra-1944-definitives-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>.. This design was printed in five values, each with its own unique colour. The 5f green was issued in 1947, th 6f carmine in 1945, the 10f ultramarine in 1946. The rest were issued in 1944. So let's now turn to the stamps.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbBOEkog0BcNoo6iTIQwc2DRmhA0z9p0hnFtP0KC8kXdhRww3vFyoEn4NzX8gDazoTHu-FlRavhr7DgXJNH5GztXynxX4nEXAXXd_XsoUmmElLGEDJExFEQEa2BB7NeZjOd8SmOEKiv4/s1600/IMG_0016+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbBOEkog0BcNoo6iTIQwc2DRmhA0z9p0hnFtP0KC8kXdhRww3vFyoEn4NzX8gDazoTHu-FlRavhr7DgXJNH5GztXynxX4nEXAXXd_XsoUmmElLGEDJExFEQEa2BB7NeZjOd8SmOEKiv4/s640/IMG_0016+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j5yN99CbaH-_7DiZ_HRfEdITg5UXdbrZsTeD8jc5SWi8bV_3S0FEh2-HmLGkpm0AoVIi7VqycvCfomPZO76A_By4jyv6_O2sGbffpzO9MPx3-MGJP9V-4oRESjpCKNK04Qi4WuRMMfk/s1600/IMG_0016+-+Copy+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j5yN99CbaH-_7DiZ_HRfEdITg5UXdbrZsTeD8jc5SWi8bV_3S0FEh2-HmLGkpm0AoVIi7VqycvCfomPZO76A_By4jyv6_O2sGbffpzO9MPx3-MGJP9V-4oRESjpCKNK04Qi4WuRMMfk/s640/IMG_0016+-+Copy+%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_EfDwDl0vmhbUU3W8_y01aa3LxNJ5sdmr8s3xUUs7muRnTFiUXCdelZxj0Erks1rrsihW2447FZXzT-u_auqtxtVB1kgtnMYJKy8yxfaaGbmKr2m4-4v0hjvAJtAAdvBOpg640RSHA0/s1600/IMG_0016+-+Copy+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_EfDwDl0vmhbUU3W8_y01aa3LxNJ5sdmr8s3xUUs7muRnTFiUXCdelZxj0Erks1rrsihW2447FZXzT-u_auqtxtVB1kgtnMYJKy8yxfaaGbmKr2m4-4v0hjvAJtAAdvBOpg640RSHA0/s640/IMG_0016+-+Copy+%25285%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4nutoFUXeqXLfRMxVWF-fHEZxAdG9_CD7JYRe57J_XuxIx11zhVrDINr-MlmX6jJQP7BF97hMMtJSn8HGLmu9C6LKxufb0uRPidf6dFobbdp0OwslodHKsbLtGLske9ttAf-SgTSLMM/s1600/IMG_0016+-+Copy+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4nutoFUXeqXLfRMxVWF-fHEZxAdG9_CD7JYRe57J_XuxIx11zhVrDINr-MlmX6jJQP7BF97hMMtJSn8HGLmu9C6LKxufb0uRPidf6dFobbdp0OwslodHKsbLtGLske9ttAf-SgTSLMM/s640/IMG_0016+-+Copy+%25286%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSyxXZiWvTNUXkva9BTaiFngDe-O6HI3n0RHBml8z-I2knB71_VGRFBA3lU6WMV_YCFviswjITmYbceLen9V_1tR85H06Tt1nZwh0O-7r9cnSiPP11GiUAFABWhWvx7Vtvn4j7MgHxSY/s1600/IMG_0016+-+Copy+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSyxXZiWvTNUXkva9BTaiFngDe-O6HI3n0RHBml8z-I2knB71_VGRFBA3lU6WMV_YCFviswjITmYbceLen9V_1tR85H06Tt1nZwh0O-7r9cnSiPP11GiUAFABWhWvx7Vtvn4j7MgHxSY/s640/IMG_0016+-+Copy+%25287%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As mentioned above, this stunning design features a birds-eye view of Old Andorra, which is the capital city of Andorra. An interesting factoid about Old Andorra, it is the highest capital city in Europe at an elevation of 1,023 metres (a similar elevation to where I presently live).<br />
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Until next time...Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-64532832486011457822019-06-13T21:56:00.001-07:002019-06-13T21:56:31.647-07:00France 1979 - Tourism Series (Part 3)<div style="text-align: justify;">
An absurd undertaking can be viewed as 'tilting at a windmill', but for practical purposes, windmills have been an efficient way of generating power since they first appeared in Persia in the 9th Century. Windmills have been used to pump water, mill grain, or as we shall soon see, to pump oil.</div>
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Somain is a commune in the Nord department in northern France. It is primarily known for its extensive mining industry. Its first mine, called the Renaissance mine, opened in 1839. Somain was also the home to a large windmill that was built in 1744. In 1901, the windmill was moved to its present location in Steenvoorde, a short distance south of Dunkirk. The mill was later restored (I've been unable to find a restoration date), and it is being used as an oil mill. </div>
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On 9 July, 1979, France issued a set of seven stamps in their ongoing Tourism series. To read the previous two parts, simply click on the relevant link. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a>. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a> In this blog I'll take a close look at the 1,20 stamp, which depicts the Steenvorde windmill.. This stamp was designed and engraved by Eugène Lacaque. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ_W697NLiNJf0MVZwO4m26Hzicv22GrE6BOEEDYwC9OF6NxfLWXiLt3EuaFE8vATUAWeJpSWNGb_veD1ruMph7jqr6cKaNSgpyfwFzZuhtoS0jfsnaIFcy4aPti1jDD_AdCJPP8mP54/s1600/IMG_0001+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ_W697NLiNJf0MVZwO4m26Hzicv22GrE6BOEEDYwC9OF6NxfLWXiLt3EuaFE8vATUAWeJpSWNGb_veD1ruMph7jqr6cKaNSgpyfwFzZuhtoS0jfsnaIFcy4aPti1jDD_AdCJPP8mP54/s640/IMG_0001+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Based on photos I've seen of the restored windmill, it seems to me that this design features a fairly rundown windmill, crying out for assistance. It is clearly evident the the sails (or blades) are in a pretty sad state of disrepair. However, there is the chance that this is simply how Lacaque chose to engrave the sails. I lean toward the former.<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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<br />Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-45333897005058520512019-06-13T03:55:00.003-07:002019-06-13T03:55:44.623-07:00France 1979 - Tourism Series (Part 2)<div style="text-align: justify;">
It started life as a grand palace in 1309, it saw a mighty clash of religious leaders in 1415, and in 1502 it was besieged, resulting in a portion of its structure being destroyed. This is the intriguing life of the Palace of the Kings of Majorca.</div>
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In 1276, King James II of Majorca decide to make Perpignan the capital of the his Kingdom of Majorca. Enlisting architects Ramon Pau, Pons Descoll, and Bernat Quer, he set about planning the construction of the palace on the hill of Puig del Rey. It was to be constructed in the Gothic style, surrounded by sprawling gardens. The palace was completed 35 years later in 1309.</div>
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A little over 100 years later in 1415, the Holy Roman Emperor, Sigismund of Luxemburg, arranged for a summit to be held in the palace. The purpose of the gathering was an attempt to coax the Avignon Antipope Benedict XIII to resign his office and hopefully bring an end to the Western Schism (a split within the Catholic church, from 1378 to 1417). This proved a futile gesture, and after a verbal clash with the Antipope, the Roman Emperor left Perpignan on 5 November, presumably with copious quantities of steam pouring from his ears!</div>
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Then a little less than 100 years after the epic debate, the palace was the unfortunate host of a siege in 1502. This siege resulted in the destruction of a part of the northern wing. Fast forward a little over 150 years to 1659. Following the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, many of the defensive features of the palace were added. </div>
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If we skip forward a further 300 years to 1958. In this year, the palace and its magnificent gardens was purchased by the General Council of the Pyrénées-Orientales. Since then it has been home to the French Ministry of Defence, a rather fitting use.</div>
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On 9 July, 1979, France issued a set of seven stamps in their ongoing Tourism series. To read Part 1, click <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com/2019/06/france-1979-tourism-series-part-1.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> In this blog I'll take a close look at the 1,70 stamp, which showcases the Palace of the Kings of Majorica. This lovely stamp was designed and engraved by René Quillivic. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJqhzZRFuHQuRlBD0Du_aAegvgtgfiOPSjkr5nOasuK5DTA6gyfdctrFqZVE8yzwB2evoT3xeoYGn2SAK1JKpqEvq87uFQgUoGT-0jzpOwrmcmZSSVjEqu9cn7s3eNCSIYbYzBYQkqcU/s1600/IMG_0001+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJqhzZRFuHQuRlBD0Du_aAegvgtgfiOPSjkr5nOasuK5DTA6gyfdctrFqZVE8yzwB2evoT3xeoYGn2SAK1JKpqEvq87uFQgUoGT-0jzpOwrmcmZSSVjEqu9cn7s3eNCSIYbYzBYQkqcU/s640/IMG_0001+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Admittedly, this stamp is predominately walls. But I feel it showcases the differing roles of the palace over the centuries with an almost brutal efficiency. I quite like it.<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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<br />Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-78044082189279494532019-06-12T01:29:00.001-07:002019-06-12T01:29:51.714-07:00France 1979 - Tourism Series (Part 1)<div style="text-align: justify;">
He raised the torch high, the firelight casting dancing demon-shadows across the irregular cave walls. He ran a calloused hand with delicate precision across the rough surface. A smile creased his face. Yes, yes. This spot would do very nicely. He set down the torch, stepped up to the rocky canvas, and began working in earnest.</div>
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It almost defies the imagination to think that a moment of artist inspiration, somewhat loosely akin to the fictional account above, occurred in a cave in south-western France some 13,000 years ago and evidence of said event still exists today. In fact, the Cave of Niaux, <i>Grotte de Niaux</i>, is home to numerous galleries containing beautifully-rendered wall paintings. Archaeologists date the site to the Magdalenian period between 17,000 and 11,000 years ago. The artwork found in these cave galleries is typical of the style prevalent in the Magdalenian Period, called simply black-outlined style. One of the most well-known paintings is located in The Black Hall, <i>Le Salon Noir</i>. </div>
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The predominating animal is the bison, represented in the upper part of the panel. The bison standing out in the left central part is usually catalogued as a female, due to the shapes presented, such as the scarcely prominent hump. By contrast and in opposition to this is the male, found on the right-hand side and showing a more prominent hump.</blockquote>
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The lower part of the wall represents several horses which, with painted hair, represent a member of the equine family with a great amount of hair, the Przewalski. The bestiary is finished off with two goats, one represented in a very natural manner and the other in a totally schematic manner. The panel is dated as being 13,000 years old. (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_Niaux" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</blockquote>
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On 9 July, 1979, France issued a set of seven stamps in their ongoing Tourism series. In order to focus better on each stamp in this series, I will do a separate blog post for each. In this blog I'll take a close look at the 1,50 stamp, depicting artwork from the Cave of Niaux. This gorgeous stamp was designed and engraved by Marie-Noelle Goffin. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvGGB24IlzE-Wi9Y72Eicpr4J7qbeRRMG_0PtnKBvZYXBLOeSVklDpM1Urgdn5QgP_Tem8FQZa_ZPAGfHPpwMWXA0V6Ua9HR1VLFvMIvRPNqeUAso66GGs-lNT6hCkUmDTQmphcsQz_o/s1600/IMG_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvGGB24IlzE-Wi9Y72Eicpr4J7qbeRRMG_0PtnKBvZYXBLOeSVklDpM1Urgdn5QgP_Tem8FQZa_ZPAGfHPpwMWXA0V6Ua9HR1VLFvMIvRPNqeUAso66GGs-lNT6hCkUmDTQmphcsQz_o/s640/IMG_0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Marie-Noelle Goffin has done a splendid job, reinvigorating this artwork and rendering it in stamp form for the world to share. Dominating the centre left of the stamp is a majestic bison, which as mentioned in the quote above, has been deemed by experts as a female due to that fact that it is depicted as possessing a small hump. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaav2SbL37IU5FRvq5FbVwGhdPFu3e3sqysWZphSGPR6DmpQWSSxZzadFQXsTIN1X-LTcOYDanLMEh6VAZpYrZR6BdMMXpgsMJZM-L54pkE_5u1eVoVs0oVkitB1NVUJmNVwuvgx0UWo/s1600/IMG_0001+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1076" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaav2SbL37IU5FRvq5FbVwGhdPFu3e3sqysWZphSGPR6DmpQWSSxZzadFQXsTIN1X-LTcOYDanLMEh6VAZpYrZR6BdMMXpgsMJZM-L54pkE_5u1eVoVs0oVkitB1NVUJmNVwuvgx0UWo/s640/IMG_0001+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bison to the right is considered a male, due to its large hump. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieODFSMRxUH-i4lhrRu796T7UAmFT7fijjOFZV4HhoOdUZYrKoX4pSg6CS8gUkmp3LtlKQupRJ_6YACXdJFj9T0x9X3tc4Qhy8lxruqybWJzH5B2PYxMOyQHQMDTCTisLo8pV7q90ul30/s1600/IMG_0001+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="596" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieODFSMRxUH-i4lhrRu796T7UAmFT7fijjOFZV4HhoOdUZYrKoX4pSg6CS8gUkmp3LtlKQupRJ_6YACXdJFj9T0x9X3tc4Qhy8lxruqybWJzH5B2PYxMOyQHQMDTCTisLo8pV7q90ul30/s640/IMG_0001+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Elsewhere on the painting, we see a goat (bottom left) and a female horse (bottom right). </div>
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This painting is a fasicnating snapshot into the paleo-world of France c. 13,000 years ago.</div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-11242141771616293842018-04-28T02:46:00.002-07:002018-04-28T02:46:37.059-07:00Andorra 1944 - Definitives (Part 2) <div style="text-align: justify;">
It was built in 1580 by the Busquet family in Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra. The "House of the Valley", or in Catalan, which happens to be the official language of Andorra, <i>La Casade la Vall</i>. Constructed in a rectangular fashion, the building includes a dovecote, which served as a defense tower and gives the complex the appearance of a small fortress.</div>
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In 1702 the house was acquired by the <i>Consell de la Terra</i> "Council of the Earth", which is an assembly comprising representatives of all the valleys. Once acquired, several areas of the house were converted to suit its new purpose more adequately. For example, the first floor became the new council chamber, in which was placed the "cabinet with seven keys". It takes this name "because it has seven locks each of whose keys is the property of the parishes of Andorra, and contain historical documents of the principality like the Manual Digest" (<a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_de_la_Vall" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>).</div>
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Between 1944 and 1947 Andorra issued a stunning set of twenty definitive stamps. The set includes four different designs, all engraved by Achille Ouvré. In this blog we shall study the second design in this set, depicting the House of the Valley. To study the first design, click <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/andorra-1944-definitives-part-1.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. It was designed and engraved by Achille Ouvré. This design was printed in five values, each with its own unique colour. All but one value, the 2,50f, which was issued in 1946, were issued in 1944. So let's now turn to the stamps. And I have to say, I love this composition. There are so many areas of interest. The cottage and perimeter wall at the bottom right. The tiny minaret-like structure jutting from the corner of the building at the centre of the stamp. And in the background we are given a glimpse of the tower, behind which looms a stunning mountain range. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvHXMtCnd5pIH1b8YlYCva5WfP3DE3yqPQDma29bpeeY0O_oh54LNZfToyKfT2ib9ZvF1KQKAlRZ1AXRrqoklfY8CK2SZSL3VlJXww836i0buMA8waDJuSQZW2ZHQvs49RxOzfr7PQOU/s1600/IMG_0015+-+Copy+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvHXMtCnd5pIH1b8YlYCva5WfP3DE3yqPQDma29bpeeY0O_oh54LNZfToyKfT2ib9ZvF1KQKAlRZ1AXRrqoklfY8CK2SZSL3VlJXww836i0buMA8waDJuSQZW2ZHQvs49RxOzfr7PQOU/s640/IMG_0015+-+Copy+%25285%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6Q-UyY8O6VFwvrrPYthOAOKS-xu5evPs1Z6EnArg51mgjWg8GapTl7u2FkZLzEj2eZCHiKffM7C8cMmB41R8QkSKiuv7ErjzyEiAN80h82wbywwCKiTIC8xVF4LcMkW1PBUI4zecXq8/s1600/IMG_0016+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6Q-UyY8O6VFwvrrPYthOAOKS-xu5evPs1Z6EnArg51mgjWg8GapTl7u2FkZLzEj2eZCHiKffM7C8cMmB41R8QkSKiuv7ErjzyEiAN80h82wbywwCKiTIC8xVF4LcMkW1PBUI4zecXq8/s640/IMG_0016+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Above I listed some of the key features I admire in this design. In fact, I believe each aspect deserves its very own close-up. For the purpose of these close-ups I have chosen to use the 3f brown-black, which is think showcases the details best.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbnoXd0h3owuZ9Fjov0FY-tn7zWkVqBEj889kDdn7tzMLYdqIA_z1jvewEtCF0m-6ZA1jCcWksHrRnY-5cepFYcA8OEpeS-hFN1JG4vM-Jqz4qsLUS7D_mkO-emEr1YJox2Ml9typ3_4/s1600/IMG_0015+-+Copy+%25287%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="558" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUbnoXd0h3owuZ9Fjov0FY-tn7zWkVqBEj889kDdn7tzMLYdqIA_z1jvewEtCF0m-6ZA1jCcWksHrRnY-5cepFYcA8OEpeS-hFN1JG4vM-Jqz4qsLUS7D_mkO-emEr1YJox2Ml9typ3_4/s640/IMG_0015+-+Copy+%25287%2529+-+Copy.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyXgGS0VXo2DrzeXLCYRS9Wn5kG1Ye1Sra0s-QjwMNG6DmJ8vMGkKjsmmRm4bhRWJQDFY-rI_01YsbpAvUTNWIMjWBiZJN0od6Q1lTUn9-k8WzYGrvjLc9OLgHExYx6j30d_J6P-bS3M/s1600/IMG_0015+-+Copy+%25289%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="455" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyXgGS0VXo2DrzeXLCYRS9Wn5kG1Ye1Sra0s-QjwMNG6DmJ8vMGkKjsmmRm4bhRWJQDFY-rI_01YsbpAvUTNWIMjWBiZJN0od6Q1lTUn9-k8WzYGrvjLc9OLgHExYx6j30d_J6P-bS3M/s640/IMG_0015+-+Copy+%25289%2529+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-74989516956697551602018-04-25T01:40:00.001-07:002018-04-25T02:42:22.296-07:00Andorra 1944 - Definitives (Part 1)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Constructed in the 11th century or possibly as late as the 12th century, the church of Saint Joan de Caselles (<i>L’église Sant Joean de Caselles</i>) is a stunning example of Andorran Romanesque art. The church is located in Canillo in the North-East of Andorra.</div>
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Upon entering the church one will immediately note its Romanesque church style: from the rectangular nave with wooden roof to the semicircular apse and Lombard style bell tower. And if you love to study interior decoration, this church won't disappoint on that front either. Perhaps one of the most important pieces is the remains of a 12th century stucco depicting Christ. Around the stucco is a beautiful mural scene depicting the crucifixion with Longinus (the name given to the soldier who pierced Christ in his side with a spear) and Stefaton (the name given to the soldier who offered Christ a wine-soaked sponge), accompanied by the sun and the moon. If one were to venture beyond the gate behind the altar, you would be delighted to discover a magnificent altarpiece, depicting the life and martyrdom of Saint John, author of the Apocalypse (Revelations) and patron saint of the church. This altarpiece was influenced by the Italian and German Renaissance. </div>
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Between 1944 and 1947 Andorra issued a stunning set of twenty definitive stamps. The set includes four different designs, all engraved by Achille Ouvré. In this blog we shall study the first design in this set, depicting the church of Saint Joan de Caselles. It was designed and engraved by Achille Ouvré. This design was printed in four values, each with its own unique colour. And all four values were issued in 1944.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK80-jZteNHuvkuqH1TW1e_4jetOlSiRwqZ88bxnnDJgPaqNIDlsa8a3-xopVhrKA4LhRboRqXZAcG8xC7doDfA3dCNZnLCxcRc56XvUzhCpSrHkZHRW-rTfxYioyfnfIMq_76Hb3WPr8/s1600/IMG_0015+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK80-jZteNHuvkuqH1TW1e_4jetOlSiRwqZ88bxnnDJgPaqNIDlsa8a3-xopVhrKA4LhRboRqXZAcG8xC7doDfA3dCNZnLCxcRc56XvUzhCpSrHkZHRW-rTfxYioyfnfIMq_76Hb3WPr8/s640/IMG_0015+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGvbl92fILUH6HDX4qCZjPtVmNQGh_xXmXQN_9hGPGCVY4YkeQi14sCNNjmgF3SJi5ORvErmK7UQyg53dCHzEEm6mIdYRMxPK_JxC1A0TA_MdldV1_UvqHHBAUXD12yQ9pSbhZLDGzyc/s1600/IMG_0015+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGvbl92fILUH6HDX4qCZjPtVmNQGh_xXmXQN_9hGPGCVY4YkeQi14sCNNjmgF3SJi5ORvErmK7UQyg53dCHzEEm6mIdYRMxPK_JxC1A0TA_MdldV1_UvqHHBAUXD12yQ9pSbhZLDGzyc/s640/IMG_0015+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzANtO8aIf8bcyQEa8frKbHe6odP8sNjKI6iJvTFGpY63xKkDwIemHUQg7dMzgnDLwQYfH4x5aCwV0x1mjin2Kx5axNSU9-L0qWeH23FpUpXkQihpkj_6xh8NnACOVS_a3fuKjE3NzVg/s1600/IMG_0015+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzANtO8aIf8bcyQEa8frKbHe6odP8sNjKI6iJvTFGpY63xKkDwIemHUQg7dMzgnDLwQYfH4x5aCwV0x1mjin2Kx5axNSU9-L0qWeH23FpUpXkQihpkj_6xh8NnACOVS_a3fuKjE3NzVg/s640/IMG_0015+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqG_QS1oKAubSnhJjP98KjGUwXIH3TiZWJ6xrSag4Ylu1KhjONtDv9f12CY4vZRD0pii8_qTH2zlGf6AyuQSZXAaT6VZ55UlK6nmu58yNsxRySSQUHQwwVcbT07kvCHUo8kPT2SOXftc/s1600/IMG_0015+-+Copy+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqG_QS1oKAubSnhJjP98KjGUwXIH3TiZWJ6xrSag4Ylu1KhjONtDv9f12CY4vZRD0pii8_qTH2zlGf6AyuQSZXAaT6VZ55UlK6nmu58yNsxRySSQUHQwwVcbT07kvCHUo8kPT2SOXftc/s640/IMG_0015+-+Copy+%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love the composition of this design. Ouvré has chosen an excellent angle to showcase the ruined church nestled in the surrounding mountains. In the foreground stands a person, perhaps a caretaker and a weary traveller. dominating the left of the design is the church's striking bell tower. Beautiful. I can't wait to explore the rest of Ouvré's work on this series. Stay tuned!</div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-9923604888302727282018-04-16T00:10:00.001-07:002018-04-16T00:10:49.880-07:00France 1951 - Modern Poets (Part 3)<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
"I'm now making myself as scummy as I can. Why? I want to be a poet, and I'm working at turning myself into a seer. You won't understand any of this, and I'm almost incapable of explaining it to you. The idea is to reach the unknown by the derangement of all the senses. It involves enormous suffering, but one must be strong and be a born poet. It's really not my fault." (Jean Nicolas Arthur Rimbaud, 1871. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Rimbaud" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>)</blockquote>
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Some people turn to writing and expressing their deepest emotions with the power of words later in life, their copious experiences their thesaurus. In others, the spark is lit early in life, burns bright, then is snuffed out. </div>
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Jean Nicolas Arthur Rimbaud, born 20 October 1854, started writing from a very young age, and it was quickly obvious he was a gifted poet. He was an excellent student, but perhaps stymied in the world of academia, he ran away to Paris as a teenager during the Franco-Prussian War. It was during this time that the words poured from his soul and he wrote many works of poetry, a lot of which was assembled in the book titled, <i>Illuminations</i>. Then inextricably, he completely stopped writing at the age of 21. He spent the rest of his brief life exploring several continents as a merchant. Tragically, he died of cancer just after his 37th birthday on 10 November 1891. .</div>
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Rimbaud was known as quite a restless soul who loved hard and played harder. In 1871 Rimbaud had a torrid love affair with fellow poet Paul Verlaine (see <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/france-1951-modern-poets-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a> of this series for information on Verlaine). The next few years was a wild ride for the pair, spiced with absinthe, opium and hashish. Yet during this time Rimbaud still churned out the poetry, including one of his major works, <i>A Season in Hell</i>. Rimbaud is best known for his work with Symbolism and helping to ignite the flame of Surrealism. </div>
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On 27 October 1951, France issued a set of three stamps celebrating modern French poets. The 15f value of the set depicts Jean Nicolas Arthur Rimbaud. This stamp was designed by Paul-Pierre Lemagny and engraved by Gabriel-Antoine Barlangue. It is worth mentioning that the portrait of Rimbaud used in this stamp was based on a portrait by Henri Fantin Latour.. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaN11B2l5c4Sj_Y0AZER_1cVMEZwrs5COL179_P9Y0migZGyTzGb1JLvXJbgSNWotOdZfw65o80eTWoFYsmoumdRKKoVoEZzPPNULtzGg5gBabEXRy8Mc1FbzUJYW39CH4HXezdSvgiYE/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaN11B2l5c4Sj_Y0AZER_1cVMEZwrs5COL179_P9Y0migZGyTzGb1JLvXJbgSNWotOdZfw65o80eTWoFYsmoumdRKKoVoEZzPPNULtzGg5gBabEXRy8Mc1FbzUJYW39CH4HXezdSvgiYE/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The turbulent nature of this composition seems to mirror the wild life of Rimbaud. In the foreground we are faced with a youthful Rimbaud. His sits pensive, with hand on chin, perhaps ruminating over his next masterpiece. At the back left of the composition waterspouts (tornadoes on land) abound. Adrift in the churning maelstrom, a direct reflection of the poet's life, is a hapless ship, adrift, in dire need of respite. Behind the poet's shoulder to the right we see towering, snow-capped mountains and some butterfly-like creatures gamboling to some poetic tune only they can hear. In conclusion, what an awesome stamp!</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-25622113620939414642018-04-08T21:10:00.000-07:002018-04-08T21:10:50.157-07:00France 1951 - Modern Poets (Part 2)<div style="text-align: justify;">
It can ignite our deepest passions. It can awaken such emotional beasts as sadness and despair. It enables us to live vicariously through the magical use of words, whether in metre or rhyme. This is Poetry.</div>
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Paul-Marie Verlaine, born 30 March 1844, was a French poet whose work is associated with the Decadent movement. The Decadent movement was, at the time of Verlaine, a shattering new style with lurid themes such as self-disgust, general skepticism, delight in perversion, crude humor, and a belief in the superiority of human creativity over logic and the natural world. Indeed, this movement was considered the <i>fin de siècle</i> or turn of the century movement.</div>
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Verlaine considered himself, along with a host of contemporary poets such as Stéphane Mallarmé, Arthur Rimbaud, Aloysius Bertrand, Comte de Lautréamont, and Alice de Chambrier, to be a <i>poète maudit</i> "cursed poet". He and the other poets mentioned were scorned by critics for their new, brash style of poetry. But in 1886, just two years after calling himself a cursed poet, opinions were to change based on the publication of Jean Moréas' <i>Symbolist Manifesto</i>. This book introduced the idea of symbolism, and suddenly Decadent poetry and all its subtleties began to make some sense. Now Verlaine and other poets were being termed "Symbolists". Verlaine's work studied the notions of human will, fatality. the power of unconscious forces, and - quite radically - the theme of sex in various forms, including with prostitutes. Themes associated with delirium triggered by narcotics and alcohol were also to be found.</div>
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Despite the use of such strong themes, Verlaine pointed out the need for subtle suggestion as opposed to brutal statement. His purpose was "to evoke moods and feelings through the magic of words..." (Wikipedia). Verlaine actually described his style - this "turn of the century" style - in great detail in his poem <i>Art Poétique</i>. He stresses the importance of musicality and elusiveness. Further, he stresses:</div>
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"Keep away from the murderous Sharp Saying, Cruel Wit, and Impure Laugh." </blockquote>
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As was the case with so many artistic minds of this era, Paul Verlaine was addicted to drugs and alcohol. In his later years he lived in the slums of Paris and public hospitals. He was often seen in cafes drowning his sorrows with copious glasses of absinthe. His drug and alcohol abuse finally got the better of him. He died in Paris at the age of 51 on 8 January 1896. </div>
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On 27 October 1951, France issued a set of three stamps celebrating modern French poets. The 12f value of the set depicts Paul-Marie Verlaine. This stamp was designed by Paul-Pierre Lemagny and engraved by Charles-Paul Dufresne. You will note that the stamp featured in <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/france-1951-modern-poets-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> of this series was also designed by Paul-Pierre Lemagny. An immensely talented designer. It is worth mentioning that the portrait of Verlaine used in this stamp was based on a portrait by Eugène Carrière.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdslAirrtqtZUefgBVuMKta1Avv2svhrn2R4VGZxFiDyYQkEeRItGPVXPEhRKnBj5nplkBuIMOtkIj4coEt9A0YCZ_A2WERcOrbdE4PcT-O3r4LJmSU7KHe5ACZao0dTDL-E_IHPHM2JY/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdslAirrtqtZUefgBVuMKta1Avv2svhrn2R4VGZxFiDyYQkEeRItGPVXPEhRKnBj5nplkBuIMOtkIj4coEt9A0YCZ_A2WERcOrbdE4PcT-O3r4LJmSU7KHe5ACZao0dTDL-E_IHPHM2JY/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The composition of this stamp is fantastic.I love the way Verlaine stares directly at us, the viewer, as if ruminating on a new piece of poetic elusive symbolism. The design is also packed with stunning minute detail. Dufresne has done a masterful job in rendering the abundant flora to the left of the stamp. I particularly like, being a fan of engraved beards, the copious beard and moustache of Verlaine. In all, a brilliant composition. See below for a couple of close-ups.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1U0JcshigEKUlHQ0KxzIAFcqGtHDxMl87soSXwfv6UoCWXZiJ9e7-Da_4XrVwxJoOfOsGL6zrW8whiaSblxSQUJfvo58mavAfMNUc_lUFxYkUUaTUwCbBXeoo4mktBxjrxayCvkU-6k/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25282%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1502" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1U0JcshigEKUlHQ0KxzIAFcqGtHDxMl87soSXwfv6UoCWXZiJ9e7-Da_4XrVwxJoOfOsGL6zrW8whiaSblxSQUJfvo58mavAfMNUc_lUFxYkUUaTUwCbBXeoo4mktBxjrxayCvkU-6k/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25282%2529+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6w_XIFQtzLzrqfVQJaiofd07zqTYrG8y2QvZZGSjHmZie1wL9y4wa-Ipkpe9V6gQ42vixBAMcm_KhjVV4ADW88XMb7p5ziKKzUDaAf4kk0FPW2OJUYyIMHinQkxx2OOJZ1RR42SZwv0/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25283%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="1122" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6w_XIFQtzLzrqfVQJaiofd07zqTYrG8y2QvZZGSjHmZie1wL9y4wa-Ipkpe9V6gQ42vixBAMcm_KhjVV4ADW88XMb7p5ziKKzUDaAf4kk0FPW2OJUYyIMHinQkxx2OOJZ1RR42SZwv0/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25283%2529+-+Copy.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-51831757528125766442018-04-07T20:58:00.000-07:002018-04-07T20:58:43.560-07:00France 1951 - Modern Poets (Part 1)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Poetry can capture the mind, ensnare the soul, and grip the heart. It is the language of love and sorrow, the artistic expression of our deepest emotions. </div>
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Charles Baudelaire, born 9 April 1821, was a French poet who possessed an original style of what can be considered prose-poetry. For the 19th century it was a radical, almost brutal, new style. Indeed, he himself is said to have coined the phrase "modernity". He uses this phrase to illustrate the fleeting nature of life in an ever-growing urban metropolis, in this instance Paris. He points out that it is the responsibility of the poet to capture this experience through the beauty of words. This theme is most evident in what can be considered his most famous collection of poems, entitled <i>Les Fleurs du mal</i> (The Flowers of Evil). According to one commentator at the time, his work was:</div>
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"immense, prodigious, unexpected, mingled with admiration and with some indefinable anxious fear". (Wikipedia)</blockquote>
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If nothing else, Baudrlaire's work was bold. Indeed, in a poem entitled <i>Au lecteur</i> (To the Reader), which he uses as a preface to the collection, he actually goes so far as to accuse his readers of hypocrisy and of being as guilty of sins and lies as he himself. Pretty audacious!</div>
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... If rape or arson, poison or the knife</div>
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Has wove no pleasing patterns in the stuff</div>
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Of this drab canvas we accept as life—</div>
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It is because we are not bold enough! (Wikipedia)</div>
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Baudelaire was not only a poet. He was a skilled essayist and art critic. He was also a fan of the work of Edgar Allan Poe, and he spent quite a deal of his time translating his work into French. Baudelaire's unique style and honest approach to the modern lifestyle in his work has inspired a whole generation of poets including Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud and Stéphane Mallarmé to name just a few.</div>
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Baudelaire's addiction to laudanum, opium, and excessive drinking finally took its toll on his body. In 1866 he suffered a massive stroke. He lived a further year in a semi-paralysed state. He died in Paris on 31 August 1867, aged just 46. Most of his poetry we are now familiar with was published posthumously by his mother to help recover some of the substantial debts he incurred due to his life of "excesses".</div>
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On 27 October 1951, France issued a set of three stamps celebrating modern French poets. The 8f, and lowest, value of the set depicts Charles Baudelaire. This stamp was designed by Paul-Pierre Lemagny and engraved by Jean Pheulpin. I believe this is the first time I have featured a stamp engraved by Pheulpin in this blog. What a dreadful oversight. This engraver oozes talent, as you can see in the gorgeous stamp below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGO-d1489EScdHkkMoviEDaEjtL3fFtgbBY0yGafNjXO4p79VLHlAtvEdu-V0fD7HiES4x9hD88XZQUwg8L-OoLfEA0bgbVHc7ATKKwyC8_T1qiLEhP6LZZdVpdG_GZOXUMCCa3vSX75w/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGO-d1489EScdHkkMoviEDaEjtL3fFtgbBY0yGafNjXO4p79VLHlAtvEdu-V0fD7HiES4x9hD88XZQUwg8L-OoLfEA0bgbVHc7ATKKwyC8_T1qiLEhP6LZZdVpdG_GZOXUMCCa3vSX75w/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The surreal, dreamlike quality of this design is truly breathtaking. There is detail in every nook and cranny. From the rather poignant depiction of a pensive Baudelaire to the owls off the right. And from the tall ship powering toward the left border of the stamp to the feral, somewhat demonic creature floating at the top left of the composition. Wow! Below I have included a few detail pictures, simply because I think this amazing design deserves some close-ups. Enjoy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYgD7VucGdejsYyQdXlmD4btTGH83MpFh2yfhpblqxVhiLCmag1EIZyBP1sK9bvUXo4pW-BBABX9Sw_0NOqys6EfOccCMu9vzSunop0ZgbkEaDEjVrrwZwhG4h_YxEG3bpvZMI58eAds/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="563" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYgD7VucGdejsYyQdXlmD4btTGH83MpFh2yfhpblqxVhiLCmag1EIZyBP1sK9bvUXo4pW-BBABX9Sw_0NOqys6EfOccCMu9vzSunop0ZgbkEaDEjVrrwZwhG4h_YxEG3bpvZMI58eAds/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy+-+Copy.jpg" width="402" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbUqLbpYCb9lgdcC0j0kQVYtN6szZfCALSr9VK6WC8kYPlhx0qj2vKfN4fmlDUCsuAu9NlX4LNZ5tWp4TVtogSprzF7oxVj8Exl2SXM_adTNGps6H1tdO7nZC4ajAjhNaBkeFP4OqfFA/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="643" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbUqLbpYCb9lgdcC0j0kQVYtN6szZfCALSr9VK6WC8kYPlhx0qj2vKfN4fmlDUCsuAu9NlX4LNZ5tWp4TVtogSprzF7oxVj8Exl2SXM_adTNGps6H1tdO7nZC4ajAjhNaBkeFP4OqfFA/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMBYPtGL4WQQLcAzjnIVrcD2KY-cESXKYj8zlchPKiVV_uFzPyJ-z8xyDZLcNhyuFQS2PQ0eCk20Dx-ogp7S5hT-00WKRp0a1P-2BM37Tr_e2OPyhhwbfTxxFU5qIOf7GDn18Z_6f30M/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="1529" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMBYPtGL4WQQLcAzjnIVrcD2KY-cESXKYj8zlchPKiVV_uFzPyJ-z8xyDZLcNhyuFQS2PQ0eCk20Dx-ogp7S5hT-00WKRp0a1P-2BM37Tr_e2OPyhhwbfTxxFU5qIOf7GDn18Z_6f30M/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-25482908738024149122018-03-29T01:25:00.000-07:002018-03-29T01:25:22.367-07:00France 1935 - Unemployed Intellectuals Stamps<div style="text-align: justify;">
It would become known as Black Tuesday. The stock market crash on October 29, 1929, had devastating ramifications, plunging the globe into The Great Depression. In France, the Depression didn't take root until 1931, but between 1931 and 1935, as its effects assumed a tighter stranglehold on the country, there was a marked increase in unemployment levels. Struck particularly hard were those previously employed in intellectual and artistic pursuits. In fact, jobs for intellectuals and artists had been on the decline since the conclusion of World War I. Indeed, a body known as the CTI (Confederation of Professional Workers) was created in 1919 in an attempt to aid intellectuals in re-injecting themselves into the workforce. So what exactly was the definition of an intellectual? According to the CIT:<br />
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"An intellectual worker is one who derives his livelihood from a work in which the effort of the mind, with what it entails, initiative and personality, usually prevails over physical effort " (Chariot, 2006) </blockquote>
But however noble the cause of the CIT, it was not all that successful. Then on 6 February 1933, a body known as Help for Intellectual Workers (ETI) was created. This body and its president, Paul Grunebaum-Ballin, seemed to have far more insight than the CIT regarding potential schemes for the establishment of work for intellectuals and how to raise money to implement these schemes. One such scheme used as its model an idea implemented in the US. Basically the idea was to provide jobs for intellectuals in public libraries performing such tasks as the "classification of books and the establishment of directories and catalogs." (Chariot, 2006) But how does one raise funds to implement such an initiative? Simple. Surtax postage stamps!<br />
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"Surcharge stamps are "special stamps": the stamp has franking value only for its face value without the surcharge. It is not used to pay for a postal service. It is usually paid to a charity (In this case, intellectual aid)." (Chariot, 2006)</blockquote>
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On 9 December 1935, France issued a set of two stamps, printed in recess, for the benefit of unemployed intellectuals. Master engraver, Achille Ouvré, was commissioned to design and engrave one stamp. The other stamp in the set was designed by René Grégoire and engraved by Omer Désiré Bouchery. Interestingly, this is the one and only stamp Omer Désiré Bouchery engraved for France. He was known primarily for his illustrations. A bit of a shame he didn't engrave more stamps; he certainly had a talent for it.<br />
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The stamp designed by René Grégoire and engraved by Omer Désiré Bouchery had a value of 50c with a surcharge of 10c to aid those unemployed intellectuals we spoke of earlier. This stamp features France, personified as a woman, lending aid to an intellectual. Interestingly, the setting of this stamp lends itself to the environment of a library.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Mj97Evd1d1vH7JOzru56YKfazn9tYMAh2NARFwgrKsw8lcMeEf4VFb0oNgewBHHcWlp9eYur444tdhaAm9b4C4caqoKq24hE6ftHmQaSiS6uCMHroQRa4zYIXCIRaZ7zUGKASdHJAL8/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Mj97Evd1d1vH7JOzru56YKfazn9tYMAh2NARFwgrKsw8lcMeEf4VFb0oNgewBHHcWlp9eYur444tdhaAm9b4C4caqoKq24hE6ftHmQaSiS6uCMHroQRa4zYIXCIRaZ7zUGKASdHJAL8/s640/IMG_0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The stamp designed and engraved by Achille Ouvré, and a favourite of mine, had a value of 50c with a surcharge of 2f, a much higher surcharge than the previous stamp. Perhaps a surcharge that was too steep, but we'll get to that in a moment. In this stamp we see a beautiful young woman representing the arts, holding a small lyre. Truly stunning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitM2vVk0U_jFSb1Ki8CsH62vovOJTBQUhgJYayuAu6iSmWLSU-_rttvIuYC82OfdoCSJoAi70R0iTesNI5s5Hcbf3c3UPHRWIRxyJjIDMyoPIZHx3IMqyImdzdel4YMAh9tduGYutJPIo/s1600/IMG_0004+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitM2vVk0U_jFSb1Ki8CsH62vovOJTBQUhgJYayuAu6iSmWLSU-_rttvIuYC82OfdoCSJoAi70R0iTesNI5s5Hcbf3c3UPHRWIRxyJjIDMyoPIZHx3IMqyImdzdel4YMAh9tduGYutJPIo/s640/IMG_0004+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then on 14 October 1936, a little under a year later, this stamp was reissued with a brand new overprinted surcharge of 20c. Was 2f simply too much money to expect the average citizen to pay? Maybe. Maybe not. But it certainly makes for an interesting addition to any Ouvré collection.<br />
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-12445451240405366922018-03-19T01:44:00.004-07:002018-03-19T01:44:44.969-07:00I Muse...On Another Engraver to Study<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm fairly certain that I'm not alone in thinking that over the years the French Post has had many, many incredibly talented artists on their payroll engraving stamps. So many in fact that it can be rather overwhelming trying to collect all of their amazing work. My strategy to date has been to choose a particular engraver, and then spent some time getting to know their work and their style. And along the way start putting together the bones of a collection.</div>
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Most recently I've become intrigued by the work of Jules Piel. I haven't looked at much of his work yet, but what I have seen really impresses me. His first engraving, which was part of a definitive set for Andorra in 1932 is a true thing of beauty. Unfortunately I don't have a copy of the design, which was printed in six values, just yet. But I did find the below image. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqlVcknh8-OQ7gF3aHx88BhgXf_sb9BaYdlq0jjFGOyPVdj5h4GWTLcGsSYDnVNqmeiSnf26lIwUdXErdprHfw4i0-ny-geUBpr4EXYRZbfIJxpl92Fj2f5WUaoSKF7pZmu0QygQvAto/s1600/310_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="992" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqlVcknh8-OQ7gF3aHx88BhgXf_sb9BaYdlq0jjFGOyPVdj5h4GWTLcGsSYDnVNqmeiSnf26lIwUdXErdprHfw4i0-ny-geUBpr4EXYRZbfIJxpl92Fj2f5WUaoSKF7pZmu0QygQvAto/s400/310_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Between 1932 and 1966 Jules Piel was a prolific engraver for both France and her various colonies. For a full bio, check out this blog post <a href="http://stampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/piel-jules.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Indeed, many iconic French stamps were the work of this master engraver. Perhaps the most important of these was a set depicting Marshall Pétain, issued in 1941. </div>
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Commencing in 1950, France began issuing a set of stamps on an annual basis with a surcharge to go to the Red Cross. Jules Piel engraved this first set of Red Cross stamps. In fact, he contributed to every set until his retirement from the French postal authority in 1966. And I was delighted to discover that not only did Jules Piel rack up an extensive array of stamps, but he also engraved quite a few banknotes! I must say, I'm really looking forward to delving more deeply into the work of this prolific artist.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-17251026577746681102018-01-19T20:26:00.000-08:002018-01-19T20:26:22.815-08:00France 1936 - Louis Blériot<div style="text-align: justify;">
What do truck headlights and astounding feats of aviation have in common? Louis Blériot, aviator, inventor, and engineer.</div>
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Louis Blériot, born 1 July 1872 in Cambrai, France, was drawn to engineering and design from at young age. Indeed, while attending the Institut Notre Dame in Cambrai, he won many class prizes for his engineering drawings. He then attended the prestigious École Centrale in Paris, after having spent a year gaining special tuition in order to pass the rigorous entrance exam. He graduated École Centrale around the middle of his class, which considering the high level of competition was a pretty decent result.</div>
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His first job was at an electrical engineering company in Paris, called Baguès. It was during this time that he came up with an invention, which would eventually bankroll his other passion, aviation. He designed and created the first ever practical headlamp (headlight) for automobiles. His new headlamp used a compact integral acetylene generator. In 1897, he decided to leave the company he had been working for and opened his own showroom in Paris, selling his headlamps. Turns out, this was an excellent business decision, for he quickly gained contracts with two of the foremost automobile manufacturers of the time, Renault and Panhard-Levassor.</div>
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Ever since his school days, Blériot had had an interest in aviation, but it wasn't until his visit to the 1900 <i>Exposition Uniiverselle</i> that he thought seriously about aircraft experimentation. It was seeing Clément Ader's Avion III, an experimental steam-powered aircraft, that seemed to really get his creative juices flowing. I can understand why. This 'plane' must have, at the time, seemed quite extraordinary. Check the Avion III out <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ader_Avion_III" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
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As I mentioned earlier, Blériot's headlamp business was going great guns so he could afford to splash about a bit of cash with some aviation experiments of his own. His initial experiments were with ornithopters, which are craft propelled by flapping wings, in the fashion of a bird. Many of these were powered by men with the wings strapped to their arms. Then they set about flapping like crazy in an attempt to achieve flight. Ornithopters have always been a bit hit and miss, and Blériot's attempts fell into the 'miss' column.<br />
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Then in 1905, he met a fellow aviation enthusiast, a man who would also later become his business partner, Gabriel Voisin. At the time Voisin was working for a fellow named, Ernest Archdeacon, on experimental gliders. Blériot, also an avid photographer, filmed Voisin the during the trials of a floatplane glider Voisin had built. Witnessing this event sparked Blériot into commissioning Voisin to build a similar plane for him. This plane, another glider, was called the Blériot II. Although this plane crashed and Voisin, who was flying it, nearly drowned, the two men were not deterred. Indeed, they soon established their own company, <i>Ateliers d' Aviation Edouard Surcouf, Blériot et Voisin</i>.<br />
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The partnership lasted until the end of 1906. During which time the pair built the Blériot III and IV, two powered aircraft that both proved unsuccessful. Their lack of success coupled with the success of rival aviator of Alberto Santos Dumont, who flew his 14-bis a distance of 220 m (720 ft), winning the Aéro Club de France prize for the first flight of over 100 metres, saw the dissolution of the pafrtnership.<br />
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After the partnership with Voisin, Louis Blériot established his own business, <i>Recherches Aéronautiques Louis Blériot</i>, This business was primarily funded by Blériot, who employed his own engineers and designers. Over the next couple of years Blériot developed a whole series of aircraft, bearing his name, each one slightly better than the rest. This aircraft research culminated in the construction of the Blériot XI.<br />
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At 4:41 am on the 25 July 1909 Blériot made history in his Type XI by setting off from Calais, France in an attempt to cross the English Channel. "Flying at approximately 45 mph (72 km/h) and an altitude of about 250 ft (76 m), he set off across the Channel. Not having a compass, Blériot took his course from the Escopette, which was heading for Dover, but he soon overtook the ship." (Wikipedia)<br />
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During the crossing, visibility rapidly deteriorated. In fact, Blériot later said, “for more than 10 minutes I was alone, isolated, lost in the midst of the immense sea, and I did not see anything on the horizon or a single ship”.<br />
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Thankfully, a short time later, Blériot spotted the English coast. Unfortunately for Blériot, he had not previously visited Dover to find a good spot to land, so he had to wing it. After spotting Charles Fontaine, the correspondent from Le Matin waving a large Tricolour as a signal, Blériot "circled twice to lose height, and cut his engine at an altitude of about 20 m (66 ft), making a heavy 'pancake' landing due to the gusty wind conditions; the undercarriage was damaged and one blade of the propeller was shattered, but Blériot was unhurt. The flight had taken 36 minutes and 30 seconds." (Wikipedia) Thus history was made!<br />
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On 21 November 1934, France issued a stamp celebrating the 25th anniversary of Louis Blériot's English Channel crossing. The stamp was designed and engraved by Achille Ouvré. It is a stunning design featuring a map of the English Channel overlaid by Blériot's Type XI aircraft.<br />
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-20614978029224866352017-11-20T02:20:00.001-08:002017-11-20T02:20:34.061-08:00Monaco 1977 - The Career of a Navigator 1st Issue (Part 2)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oceanography is: "a science that deals with the oceans and includes the delimitation of their extent and depth, the physics and chemistry of their waters, marine biology, and the exploitation of their resource" (Meriam-Webster.com).</div>
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In last week's blog we were introduced to Prince Albert I of Monaco, a trail-blazer in the field of oceanography. His contributions to this discipline and his career as a navigator were celebrated in a sumptuous series of 18 stamps, issued in two sets of nine in 1977.<br />
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One of Prince Albert's crowning achievements was the founding of the Oceanographic Institute in 1906. One part of the institute is the Monaco Oceanographic Museum, located in Monaco-ville. The museum is a stunning piece of architecture in the baroque revival style. It was built into the side of a cliff face overlooking the ocean, and it took workers some eleven years to complete.</div>
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The museum was inaugurated in 1910 by Prince Albert I. In looking up the history of the museum, I was surprised to discover that the great Jacques Cousteau was the director of the museum from 1957 to 1988. I recall watching Mr Cousteau on TV as a kid. The singer/songwriter John Denver wrote a song dedicated to him, called Calypso, which was the name of Cousteau's boat. The museum is also known as the Jacques Cousteau Museum.</div>
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The museum is home to a large variety of sea fauna such as starfish, turtles, sea urchins ,jellyfish, crabs, sharks, lobsters and many more sea critters. There are even some skeletons!</div>
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It is also home to an amazing octopus sculpture.<br />
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In 1902 Albert I published a book <i>La Carriere d'un Navigateur</i> (The Career of a Navigator), which documents his adventurous life at sea. On 3 May 1977, the 75th anniversary of the publication of his magnum opus, Monaco issued a glorious set of 18 stamps, issued in two sets of nine, honouring the Prince's achievements. To engrave this mammoth issue, a stellar cast of French engravers was enlisted: Pierre Gandon, Claude Haley, Michel Monvoisin, George Betemps, and Pierre Forget. This set was created based on illustrations by the French illustrator Louis Tinayre (14 March 1861-26 September 1942).</div>
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Last week we kicked off by studying the first four stamps in this first series. This week we will study the last five stamps in this series. And they are truly gorgeous. Maintenant examinons les timbres!</div>
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The 1f stamp was designed and engraved by Georges Betemps. It features a night-watch helmsman at the wheel of one of Prince Albert's yachts, perhaps <i>l'hirondelle</i>. I love this stamp. The depths of the darkness give it a sense of brooding mystery. And the illumination from the binnacle lamps splashing over the sailor is fabulous.</div>
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The 1f 25 stamp was designed and engraved by Pierre Forget. It features a dynamic scene in which <i>L'hirondelle </i>battles a raging storm. The artist has managed to create a very real sense of fear and impending danger in this stamp.</div>
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The 1f 40 stamp was designed and engraved by Claude Haley. It features a group of researchers, perhaps including Prince Albert himself, out in a longboat, fishing for shrimp.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWJfdyPMTxtNE-pf7Sc5-lnRbfJVc7QjlwpXTbgQFg-8A0g9oC_fsTT0dB4pY1Twvqvi5KIEA1zUAJbf1Bc4poDzUnSiubnFBa39XxZtJ6ujPgL6IXb7GfpDRPqH0pmFhRsBhZm4_Pl0/s1600/IMG_0003+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWJfdyPMTxtNE-pf7Sc5-lnRbfJVc7QjlwpXTbgQFg-8A0g9oC_fsTT0dB4pY1Twvqvi5KIEA1zUAJbf1Bc4poDzUnSiubnFBa39XxZtJ6ujPgL6IXb7GfpDRPqH0pmFhRsBhZm4_Pl0/s640/IMG_0003+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The 1f 90 stamp was designed and engraved by Pierre Forget. It features a scene in which the trawl is being hauled aboard for further investigation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGpsO3yA45MzP6iA4KG9oeu7x1561M45MSATW2YMnnrKrGkAOmFCGLRtzkLWMUn7ur1pZLovmpF4eDwK5SlU_AKFXUE5extOC4-MEtUUV1AycjXrQHV5KU0M_mm5vV_1hq83ZAFoKBhk/s1600/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="989" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGpsO3yA45MzP6iA4KG9oeu7x1561M45MSATW2YMnnrKrGkAOmFCGLRtzkLWMUn7ur1pZLovmpF4eDwK5SlU_AKFXUE5extOC4-MEtUUV1AycjXrQHV5KU0M_mm5vV_1hq83ZAFoKBhk/s640/IMG_0002+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">***</span></b></div>
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The 2f 50 stamp was designed and engraved by Georges Betemps. It features the capture of an oceanic sunfish for analysis.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQzvv0zCiuavAopVEhzM6quLh08g3uPkLzjP-BnYdkfTCUh9cG-UE1dXUf1zMJjQEuqBOgpwTrqJfDblabTNvSkwXeHDt0ERIsAZQOPbOGwVA7tGDmxPMLGZBmxPS1DiHC4Nj3aRk-o8/s1600/IMG_0003+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1600" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQzvv0zCiuavAopVEhzM6quLh08g3uPkLzjP-BnYdkfTCUh9cG-UE1dXUf1zMJjQEuqBOgpwTrqJfDblabTNvSkwXeHDt0ERIsAZQOPbOGwVA7tGDmxPMLGZBmxPS1DiHC4Nj3aRk-o8/s640/IMG_0003+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stay tuned for the second series of this wonderful set.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-1843135760887725452017-11-19T07:50:00.000-08:002017-11-20T11:23:16.819-08:00Pierre Albuisson Stamp List<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Below is a list of stamps engraved and/or designed by Pierre Albuisson. Click on the individual stamp sets for detailed descriptions.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1981</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/mali-1981-pierre-curie.html" target="_blank">Mali, Pierre Curie (25 May)</a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1982</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1983</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1984</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1985</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1986</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1987</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1988</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1989</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1990</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1991</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1992</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1993</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1994</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1995</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1996</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1997</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1998</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1999</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2000</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2001</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2002</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2003</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2004</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2005</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2006</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2007</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2008</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2009</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2010</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2011</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2012</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2013</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2014</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2015</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2016</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">2017</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-29716634321282363322017-11-14T23:11:00.001-08:002017-11-14T23:11:06.347-08:00Monaco 1977 - The Career of a Navigator 1st Issue (Part 1)<div style="text-align: justify;">
He was born into royalty, but he possessed the heart of a scientific explorer with a passion for the relatively new field of oceanography. Honoré Charles Grimaldi, later Prince Albert I of Monaco, was born 13 November 1848. His love for the ocean was perhaps cultivated while he was still a young man serving in the Spanish Navy. Then during the Franco-Prussian War (19 July 1870 – 10 May 1871) he joined the French Navy. In this capacity he excelled, earning himself the Legion of Honour. </div>
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Throughout his life, Prince Albert's love for oceanography was evident in nearly every aspect of his life, but he also had a keen interest in unravelling the mysteries of the origins of man. In fact, he founded the <i>Institute for Human Paleontology</i>. The institute went on host a number of archaeological digs. During one such dig "Grimaldi Man" was found in the Baousse-Rousse cave, and it was named in his honour. </div>
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As a skilled navigator and a trail-blazer in the burgeoning field of oceanography, Prince Albert devoted his life to the study of oceans and aquatic life. In all, he led 28 scientific expeditions around the Mediterranean, to the Azores, and even an adventure to the Arctic. In order to make the most of these research expeditions, he had several ships retro-fitted with high-tech (for the time) scientific equipment. He had four ships in total: Hirondelle, Princess Alice, Princesse Alice II and Hirondelle II. But what is field research without a home base? To this end, he founded the Oceanographic Institute in 1906, which is comprised of two establishments: the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco (for which there was a lovely stamp series issued) and the Home of the Oceans in Paris.</div>
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Housed within the Oceanographic Museum is the Salle Albert I, an exhibit dedicated to his exceptional career as a navigator and oceanographer. It houses numerous marine specimens, photos, and a library of scientific analysis. It also includes several display models, including miniatures of his research ships and even a full size sperm whale! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">***</span></b></div>
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In 1902 Albert I published a book <i>La Carriere d'un Navigateur</i> (The Career of a Navigator), which documents his adventurous life at sea. In 1977, the 75th anniversary of the publication of his magnum opus, Monaco issued a glorious set of 18 stamps, issued in two sets of nine, honouring the Prince's achievements.. The first set, which I will focus on in this blog, was issued 3 May 1977. To engrave this mammoth issue, a stellar cast of French engravers was enlisted: Pierre Gandon, Claude Haley, Michel Monvoisin, George Betemps, and Pierre Forget. They even brought in a top gun outsider a fellow whose name you may have heard of one or twice - Czeslaw Slania! This set was created based on illustrations by the French illustrator Louis Tinayre (14 March 1861-26 September 1942).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">***</span></b></div>
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Considering this set is so big, I have broken it into two separate blog posts. This week we will study the first four stamps of the nine, and next week we will see the remaining five, and I might even be able to find a few more tidbits about Prince Albert I. So without further ado...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">***</span></b></div>
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The 0,10f stamp was designed and engraved by Pierre Gandon. It features <i>L'Hirondelle</i>, Prince Albert I's schooner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-OBm5R3OI8eKmEW9mgou7Ts3f_uzPBS31lBC5st8hk07uboepEHy7JAYX22MU19HvQORikrnSCx9CGY2MacUSAuNUI__OKh_vxkXgXOPYzKhS8uBJtLvkY45fWFr-2ljUuF0b1E5ByQ/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-OBm5R3OI8eKmEW9mgou7Ts3f_uzPBS31lBC5st8hk07uboepEHy7JAYX22MU19HvQORikrnSCx9CGY2MacUSAuNUI__OKh_vxkXgXOPYzKhS8uBJtLvkY45fWFr-2ljUuF0b1E5ByQ/s640/IMG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">***</span></b></div>
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The 0.20f stamp was designed and engraved by Czeslaw Slania (although not a French engraver, I include the stamp so the entire set can be perused). It features the portrait of Prince Albert I.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BQmGSu0ft4vbiYPOnn61jBLMztEFg_HIFOXNxJbAWxH3WE8NfZH1BQbPcnUBt6013-iipqAeAIB6cgGwVcK_pbawYrGIuN5RG9LMM-QhWBjroNX7IEnXxNRSmRoJTY3_qzqkn7wJr7A/s1600/IMG+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="992" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BQmGSu0ft4vbiYPOnn61jBLMztEFg_HIFOXNxJbAWxH3WE8NfZH1BQbPcnUBt6013-iipqAeAIB6cgGwVcK_pbawYrGIuN5RG9LMM-QhWBjroNX7IEnXxNRSmRoJTY3_qzqkn7wJr7A/s640/IMG+-+Copy.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">***</span></b></div>
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The 0,30f stamp was designed and engraved by Claude Haley. It features a lovely moment being shared by the crew members aboard one of Prince Albert I's research vessels.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB1aU6iKSWLLf_MpP98Z0x69cS2BfB2NEtNB5_eX7ElX5YgbMkpVmGp4Dq6solk6p-ohh_vWF2TLCQjQv5dNzqKQtA2-Sx7k1uSWrPi27vTb8Z-W-Ni-5Rpd__9K8D0oHTrngSOWahqI/s1600/IMG_0004+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB1aU6iKSWLLf_MpP98Z0x69cS2BfB2NEtNB5_eX7ElX5YgbMkpVmGp4Dq6solk6p-ohh_vWF2TLCQjQv5dNzqKQtA2-Sx7k1uSWrPi27vTb8Z-W-Ni-5Rpd__9K8D0oHTrngSOWahqI/s640/IMG_0004+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">***</span></b></div>
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The 0,80f stamp was designed and engraved by Michel Monvoisin. It features a splendid action shot of <i>L'Hirondelle </i>battling some rough weather. That wave in the background sure does look menacing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iexOQilkjc5C-ebpX8VlLfoQOCfDg1DLoWs9CVVcEM4tAeCWHOYI1f7TaikMhAca2oNF2S8OmYiGrrQusDCgX0J13UMSCsUaJtUxDMp7S-5g9Sgfm1M9l-OwUeV0jr6Msm3xZY127lk/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iexOQilkjc5C-ebpX8VlLfoQOCfDg1DLoWs9CVVcEM4tAeCWHOYI1f7TaikMhAca2oNF2S8OmYiGrrQusDCgX0J13UMSCsUaJtUxDMp7S-5g9Sgfm1M9l-OwUeV0jr6Msm3xZY127lk/s640/IMG_0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stay tuned for Part 2 of this gorgeous set next week!<br />
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Until then...</div>
Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-42134837592041612502017-11-04T02:35:00.000-07:002017-11-20T11:22:49.129-08:00Achille Ouvré Stamp List<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Below is a list of stamps engraved and/or designed by Achille Ouvré. Click on the individual stamp sets for detailed descriptions.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1934</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2017/10/france-1934-jacquard.html" target="_blank">France, Jacquard (19 March)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2017/11/france-1934-jacques-cartier.html" target="_blank">France, Jacques Cartier (20 July)</a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1935</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1936</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1937</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1938</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1939</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1940</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1941</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1942</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1943</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1944</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1945</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1946</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1947</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1948</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1949</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1950</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">1951</span></b>Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-83711080552230274122017-11-03T03:19:00.001-07:002017-11-03T03:19:40.850-07:00France 1934 - Jacques Cartier<div style="text-align: justify;">
French explorer Jacques Cartier has become famous for his explorations along the St. Lawrence River, and also for giving Canada its name. Born 31 December, 1491, in Saint-Malo, Brittany, France, with the heart of an adventurer, Jacques Cartier came to the attention of King Francis I of France in 1534. It was after this first meeting that Cartier's name was destined for the record books.<br />
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The King, impressed by his already strong skills as a mariner, commissioned Cartier to embark on a voyage to the eastern coast of North America, to an area then called the "northern lands". This was the first of three voyages Cartier would take across the Atlantic for his king. Cartier was given command of two ships and 61 men for the journey. His mandate: to search for gold, spices, and a passage to Asia. The small fleet set sail on 20 April 1534, arriving on the west coast of Newfoundland 20 days later. On this first voyage, Cartier discovered Prince Edward Island and sailed through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, past Anticosti Island. But alas, no gold or passage to Asia was found. Nonetheless, when he returned to France, King Francis was so impressed by his report that he decided to send Cartier on a second trip, scheduled for the following year.<br />
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In May 1535, Cartier set sail again for North America. This time round his fleet consisted three ships with 110 men, including two Indians Cartier had captured previously (perhaps his last voyage). The two Indians were taken to serve as guides. On this journey Cartier navigated his way down the St. Lawrence river, as far as Quebec, where he established a base. There he remained until September when he decided to push further downriver to what would become Montreal, the promise of all that wealth setting his blood aflame. In the Montreal area he stumbled across the Iroquoi, who lived in that region. They welcomed him and his men, and went on to tell him that there were other rivers that led farther west, where gold, silver, copper and spices could be found. This was exactly what Cartier had been yearning to hear! But before they could continue any further downriver, winter came. The river morphed into angry rapids, rendering it impassable. Additionally, it is said that Cartier and his men somehow angered the Iroquois during this visit. Cartier was forced to wait until spring, however, for the ice to melt. But as soon as the ice was gone, he beat a hasty retreat back to France, taking with him some of the Iroquois chiefs he had met and captured. This was not the wisest diplomatic move! Upon his return, Cartier could only report to the king that he had been told that untold riches lay farther west. And also that a large river, said to be about 2,000 miles long, possibly led to Asia. This information seemed to be enough to convince King Francis to fund a third voyage west. A voyage that proved to be Cartier's last.<br />
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Six years later Cartier left for the west for the last time with a fleet of five ships. This time, however, his mandate had changed. The idea of finding a passage to Asia had now been abandoned. His mission this time was to establish a permanent settlement "along the St. Lawrence River on behalf of France" (Wiki). A few months after he left, a group of colonists were sent in his wake. On arrival, Cartier again set up his base at Quebec. While waiting for the colonists, they explored the area and happened upon what they thought to be an abundance of gold and diamonds. Cartier must've thought all his Christmas' had come at once! Here before him was the mother-lode he'd been dreaming about. having discovered what he conceived to be his ticket to untold wealth, Cartier abandoned the base and made a bee-line back to France. Unfortunately on his way back, at a stopover in Newfoundland, he happened across the colonist fleet. The leader of the fleet was disgusted with Cartier and ordered him back to Quebec. But Cartier had other ideas. There was no way he was going to jeopardise his dreams of being filthy rich and the envy of all society. He thus ignored the leader of the colonists, and that night, under the cover of darkness, sailed for France, his riches safely in his grasp.<br />
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As is often the case with grandiose thoughts, Cartier's dream was nothing more than an illusion. In a twist of tragedy, fit for the pages of a Greek play, Cartier returned to France to discover his precious gold and diamonds were completely worthless! This was the sad conclusion to Cartier's state-funded explorations. He eventually retired from the spotlight with a career tarnished by his shady dealings with the Iroquoi and abandoning the colony in Quebec (the colonists actually abandoned the settlement a year later after only just surviving a bitter winter). As an interesting footnote to this story, France didn't return to Canada for a half a century.<br />
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On 20 July 1934 France issued a set of two stamps commemorating the 400th anniversary of Jacques Cartier's first voyage to Canada. The set consisted one design issued in two values, drawn and engraved by Achille Ouvré from a portrait by Canadian painter, Théophile Hamel (1817-1870), of François Riss (since a portrait of Cartier himself doesn't exist). There are some who believe Pierre Gandon's statement that Ouvré used him as the model for his portrait of Cartier. But this I will leave for a future blog. For now let's simply take a look at Ouvré's beautiful design!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hRs_70x69WBJX2xgMz78u51CVjBfhBciuHxMJEG-Qmlt4gHWDz5ZlJSujI9-5upUzgWusRgKXHvvz3rLRtZrYJIf9pYnl_SBQShSQF6t9HVCoA47fLNEmnExF_3FM7PI_hSwMwCkXKM/s1600/IMG+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hRs_70x69WBJX2xgMz78u51CVjBfhBciuHxMJEG-Qmlt4gHWDz5ZlJSujI9-5upUzgWusRgKXHvvz3rLRtZrYJIf9pYnl_SBQShSQF6t9HVCoA47fLNEmnExF_3FM7PI_hSwMwCkXKM/s640/IMG+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxe_4PxsY4OSuzCnVRQDjcrydAiDrkhRXBWOZyNV_1_5ERB7L-HOQJdovsk3Zd7S8XLy2CzQN81zn444dMiuFStwwHrXwNA4Eet8_920hS8DU8kmQ_PEEwvXsTjg7u_bKiYlb89yt23c/s1600/IMG+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxe_4PxsY4OSuzCnVRQDjcrydAiDrkhRXBWOZyNV_1_5ERB7L-HOQJdovsk3Zd7S8XLy2CzQN81zn444dMiuFStwwHrXwNA4Eet8_920hS8DU8kmQ_PEEwvXsTjg7u_bKiYlb89yt23c/s640/IMG+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Incidentally, this design is one of many featuring the explorer, Jacques Cartier. One of my favourites is a stamp issued in Canada on 1 July 1934.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j47OA5Wuti9gOpkBBC_4pQ6vIxwfgfrnBYv9PsfwP5zMn7lX9r9x8sxb3_CZYLTglnW_071BF0oLShA91AoU3ThxXMCjIyRubrhGQiBlZOxA3IS376_cwsTAwX7LrwxjHVXO5_hr3b0/s1600/IMG_0001+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="760" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j47OA5Wuti9gOpkBBC_4pQ6vIxwfgfrnBYv9PsfwP5zMn7lX9r9x8sxb3_CZYLTglnW_071BF0oLShA91AoU3ThxXMCjIyRubrhGQiBlZOxA3IS376_cwsTAwX7LrwxjHVXO5_hr3b0/s640/IMG_0001+-+Copy.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-31291551487831508642017-10-19T06:55:00.000-07:002017-10-19T06:55:40.516-07:00Monaco 1978 - 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Jules Verne<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the saying goes: "all good things must come to an end." But over the last few weeks we have certainly been treated with a lovely set of stamp engravings by Pierre Forget for Monaco, depicting the literary talents of French writer, Jules Verne. Indeed, we have shared time with a mad clockmaker, roamed through the haunted halls of towering chateaus, followed the adventures of dangerous rescue missions across the high seas, and we have even met the odd famous face along the way, including Captain Nemo himself!</div>
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We have now come to the final stamp in Pierre Forget's tribute to Jules Verne, issued by Monaco in 1978. If you wish to have a recap of parts 1-5, simply click on the following links. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/monaco-1982-150th-anniversary-of-birth.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a>, <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/monaco-1982-150th-anniversary-of-birth_20.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>, <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2017/09/monaco-1978-150th-anniversary-of-birth.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a> <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2017/09/monaco-1978-150th-anniversary-of-birth_19.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a>, <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2017/10/monaco-1978-150th-anniversary-of-birth.html" target="_blank">Part 5</a>. The final stamp, which has a face value of 5,50f, is listed in the catalogues simply as "Jules Verne and allegories". A description that becomes understandable after viewing the design.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r7XHMJfVq3syUsWmrnNsQcHtYBPsc6Z5SRg9LdsOW377uIX2a-fBLjPxqbHCDQrefE6q26BT_slOz4hlLSK7WksT_CpPH_Az2M5-U20wZVXWegw2478kfhR6sHOMdV_PQj8yv_q9wHw/s1600/IMG_0003+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r7XHMJfVq3syUsWmrnNsQcHtYBPsc6Z5SRg9LdsOW377uIX2a-fBLjPxqbHCDQrefE6q26BT_slOz4hlLSK7WksT_CpPH_Az2M5-U20wZVXWegw2478kfhR6sHOMdV_PQj8yv_q9wHw/s640/IMG_0003+-+Copy+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The primary feature of this design is - quite rightly - Jules Verne, himself. Surrounding the great man in a flurry of purple swirls are the seeds of story ideas, concepts made manifest in the form of still images. At the top left flies a capsule bound for the moon. In the top centre we find a less benevolent creation. One of the giant guns from Verne's dystopian story, <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Begum%27s_Fortune" target="_blank">Les Cinq cents millions de la Bégum</a></i> (published in English as, The Begum's Fortune). At the bottom of the design, slicing through the swirls of creative thought, we see the sleek lines of Captain Nemo's submarine, Nautilus. The soldier on the horse to the right, I am unsure about. Anyone have any ideas?</div>
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Until next time...</div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-59134282972670026212017-10-05T09:57:00.000-07:002017-10-05T09:57:37.783-07:00France 1934 - Jacquard<div style="text-align: justify;">
Computers, tablets, smartphones, and all that other technology we rely on and take for granted these days, may not have even existed without the pioneering efforts of people such as Joseph Marie Charles, nicknamed Jacquard. And yet before a couple of days ago I will freely admit I'd never heard of the man. So who is he?</div>
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Jacquard, born 7 July 1752, was a French weaver and merchant, and perhaps most importantly, somewhat of a mechanical genius. Jacquard's father was a master weaver and property owner, so the family had a decent amount of money, yet Jacquard had no formal schooling. In fact, he was illiterate until the age of 13 when his brother-in-law, Jean-Marie Barrett, who ran a printing and book selling business, started teaching him. Barrett also introduced him to the world of scholars and high society. It is thought that initially Jacquard worked for his father, assisting him in the operation of his loom. Jacquard didn't particularly like the physical nature of the work, so he tried his hand at bookbinding and then with a maker of printers' type, an occupation known as a type-founder.</div>
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In 1772 his father died, leaving him a substantial inheritance including his house, looms, and workshop, as well as a vineyard and quarry in Couzon-au-Mont d’Or. It seems, however, that Jacquard was not much of a businessman, since there is evidence to suggest he ran up a substantial debt and lost all of his father's estate. Fortunately, his wife's dowry was substantial and included her own house, in which they were able to live.</div>
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By 1800 Jacquard was working as an inventor. It was in this capacity that he did his best work. In that very year, he invented a treadle loom. Then in 1803, a loom to weave fishing nets. But it was in 1804 that he came up with his best creation yet, a machine that became known as the “Jacquard” loom. This loom was designed to weave patterned silk automatically. The loom worked by using "pasteboard cards with punched holes, each card corresponding to one row of the design. Multiple rows of holes are punched in the cards and the many cards that compose the design of the textile are strung together in order" (Wikipedia). This early form of programmable machine played an important role in the development of other programmable machines, such as an early version of digital compiler used by IBM to develop the modern day computer. After some teething problems, the Jacquard loom took off. By 1812 there were 11,000 Jacquard looms in use in France. Jacquard died on 7 August 1834 in Oullins, a suburb in the city of Lyon, France.</div>
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On 19 March 1934, France issued a stamp for the 100th anniversary of the death of Joseph Marie Charles, honouring his contribution to industry. The stamp was designed and engraved by Achille Ouvre based on an artwork by Claude Bonnefond. Incidentally, this was the first small format stamp printed in intaglio issued by France. The source from which I got this information doesn't specify if it was the "world's first" or "France's first" small format intaglio issue. Anyway, to the stamp. It is a beauty. It also happens to be Achille Ouvre's first engraved stamp.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6u5FyCCVoD-BMuVu6ZxivKfNAOb6qeckImwCaRvLqXkWhVF_GNw_W9-QAb_i0_umCiWg1PYtqXyA-clyCd5_EvoLWnKLPTdwNVYeibo2knAhuIJjSws2GmTOCOL3gsT-6A-eVtPbvI0/s1600/IMG+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1077" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6u5FyCCVoD-BMuVu6ZxivKfNAOb6qeckImwCaRvLqXkWhVF_GNw_W9-QAb_i0_umCiWg1PYtqXyA-clyCd5_EvoLWnKLPTdwNVYeibo2knAhuIJjSws2GmTOCOL3gsT-6A-eVtPbvI0/s640/IMG+-+Copy.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
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I have only just started studying the work of Ouvre, and I have to say I love what I have seen so far. I look forward to showcasing more of his stamps in the future...</div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-90593300508079042372017-10-02T05:06:00.000-07:002017-10-11T21:58:51.418-07:00France 1957 - Europa<div style="text-align: justify;">
Way back in 1956 a decision was made to create a common design stamp issue for the European community. The idea was not only to promote the rewarding pursuit of philately, but also to educate people in the history of Europe and the common roots that Europeans share. Thus the EUROPA stamp issue was born. Initially, there were six participating countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and Netherlands. All participating countries issued stamps of the same design to be produced in their own countries, using their own printing techniques and engravers when applicable. The common design chosen for the first EUROPA issue was a tower in the form of the 6 letters of the word EUROPA. The design was created by Frenchman Daniel Gonzagu. France's first EUROPA stamps were issued in two values, and the 'common' design was engraved by Jules Piel. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWfe9XATEySSfBtQ99wRWET2kyDYRw4VvF0mIofS1ry_DwSG1DGhn8mnv0_QPfqS8fW3_4k8OkaVnfbG4TnrhtXHMYBmiefeQTXdNy_Zse6cUi6L7yYV0sqYiQfpq4-J6-BT_ut9kqh0/s1600/Desktop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1600" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWfe9XATEySSfBtQ99wRWET2kyDYRw4VvF0mIofS1ry_DwSG1DGhn8mnv0_QPfqS8fW3_4k8OkaVnfbG4TnrhtXHMYBmiefeQTXdNy_Zse6cUi6L7yYV0sqYiQfpq4-J6-BT_ut9kqh0/s400/Desktop1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In 1957 EUROPA allowed participating countries to issue stamps based on the common "theme" instead of a common design. The theme was Peace and Welfare through Agriculture and Industry. This idea of providing the participating countries with just a theme gave individual designers freedom to come up with their own artistic interpretation of the theme. Incidentally, the number of participating countries had now risen to eight to include Saarland and Switzerland.</div>
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On 16 September 1957, France issued its EUROPA design, printed in two values. The issue was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. Decaris has brilliantly captured the essence of the theme in his design. It features two hands. One hand is holding an olive branch and wheat, symbolising peace and prosperity through agriculture. The other hand holds a large gear, through which another olive branch is entwined. Machinery and nature are here almost one with each other in a symbiotic relationship.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIy8aYO1cPk_v4TYVUCZYELEqMAZCg76odAqFDOYc-H-vfHmriP19KkiKnCizZPwKLPOcWzPWSatbCMziib-7fXuXrBYnFE3vhxFy325AHjHwKqfYgZi8-ruYTGfDdNWlirME1VjlVwD0/s1600/IMG+%25282%2529+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIy8aYO1cPk_v4TYVUCZYELEqMAZCg76odAqFDOYc-H-vfHmriP19KkiKnCizZPwKLPOcWzPWSatbCMziib-7fXuXrBYnFE3vhxFy325AHjHwKqfYgZi8-ruYTGfDdNWlirME1VjlVwD0/s640/IMG+%25282%2529+-+Copy.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5252432206855738955.post-72008906555380475512017-10-01T03:48:00.000-07:002017-10-01T03:01:46.261-07:00Monaco 1978 - 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Jules Verne (Part 5)<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">"The sea is the vast reservoir of Nature. The globe began with sea, so to speak; and who knows if it will not end with it?" </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">—Jules Verne</span></span></blockquote>
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A shipwreck. A message in a bottle containing three cryptic clues. An epic search and rescue mission. All of this and more can be found in the pages of Jules Verne's 1867 novel, <i>Les Enfants du capitaine Grant</i> (The Children of Captain Grant).</div>
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The mystery begins when Lord and Lady Glenarvan of Scotland stumble across a message in a bottle. The message has been written by one Captain Grant, whose ship <i>Britannia </i>has gone missing, presumably wrecked. He has left behind two children, Mary and Robert. After finding the bottle, the Glenarvans petition to mount a rescue, but the government refuses. So they decide to do it themselves. The only real clue they have from what remains of the message from the captain is latitude 37 degrees. So the expedition has no choice but to circumnavigate the 37th parallel south. The only other clues they have are a few words in three languages. These words are, of course, re-interpreted several times throughout the novel to make various destinations seem likely.<br />
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The expedition, which includes Lord and Lady Glenarvan and Grant's kids, then sets sail for South America in Lord Glenarvan's yacht, <i>Duncan</i>. Along the way they pick up a passenger, French geographer Jacques Paganel, who has apparently missed his steamer to India by accidentally boarding the <i>Duncan</i>. The expedition explores Patagonia, Tristan da Cunha Island, Amsterdam Island, and Australia.</div>
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In Australia they get what they presume to be their first solid clue. They happen upon the quarter-master of Grant's ship, <i>Britannia</i>, Ayrton. Then a series of coincidences that only Jules Verne could contrive occur. Firstly, it is discovered that Ayrton was actually a traitor and he'd been abandoned in Australia. As soon as the expedition members hear this, they discover that Ayrton has hijacked their ship. Believing the ship gone, the team decide to cut their losses and head back to Europe. But then the ship they are on gets wrecked off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand!<br />
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After escaping a Māori tribe, they board a ship ... which just so happens to be the <i>Duncan</i>, their original vessel! Turns out the crew managed to overpower Ayrton and sail away. Then Ayrton bargains for his life by exchanging information on Captain Grant for being left on a nearby deserted island. When they get there, they can't believe their luck. Captain Grant just so happens to be living on that exact island! The successful expedition then sails off into the sunset, leaving Ayrton on the island to fend for himself. Incidentally, the rather devious character, Ayrton, reappears in Verne's later novel, <i>L'Île mystérieuse </i>(The Mysterious Island) published in 1874.<br />
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This is the fifth part in a blog series focusing on the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Jules Verne stamp set, issued by Monaco on 2 May 1978. To check out the earlier parts, click on the individual parts. <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/monaco-1982-150th-anniversary-of-birth.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a>, <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/monaco-1982-150th-anniversary-of-birth_20.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>, <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2017/09/monaco-1978-150th-anniversary-of-birth.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a> <a href="https://frenchstampengravers.blogspot.com.au/2017/09/monaco-1978-150th-anniversary-of-birth_19.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a>. This beautiful set of eight stamps was designed and engraved by Pierre Forget. One of the stamps in this set features an artistic interpretation of the novel, <i>Les Enfants du capitaine Grant</i>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOmAeX1nInlqk5JiX6LD1JtH5ld0djnVqcI6R7y5dLV03t3zGFzUV80HP0wmD2ldZ00ET-FSHgPnNAQ7GmR3_mgUfryGt6RYqCk9wwtZc1zkeqC2xq3m-NKGvKYTXG9hmB6yc9hCyXu0/s1600/IMG_0003+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOmAeX1nInlqk5JiX6LD1JtH5ld0djnVqcI6R7y5dLV03t3zGFzUV80HP0wmD2ldZ00ET-FSHgPnNAQ7GmR3_mgUfryGt6RYqCk9wwtZc1zkeqC2xq3m-NKGvKYTXG9hmB6yc9hCyXu0/s640/IMG_0003+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This stunning design features Captain Grant's ship in its death throes amidst a wild storm. Watching over the storm we see two women, who i assume are Lady Glenarvan and Grant's daughter, Mary. The wild blues and melancholy greys make this a rather poignant composition.<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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Comic Dayzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345077149186253534noreply@blogger.com0