Andorra 1944 - Definitives (Part 3)

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 HERE. 

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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, Andorra La Vielle. To study the first two designs, click the relevant link. Part 1. Part 2.. 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.

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).

Until next time...

Andorra 1944 - Definitives (Part 2)

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, La Casade la Vall. 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.

In 1702 the house was acquired by the Consell de la Terra "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" (Wikipedia).

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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 HERE. 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. 

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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.

Until next  time...

Andorra 1944 - Definitives (Part 1)

Constructed in the 11th century or possibly as late as the 12th century, the church of Saint Joan de Caselles (L’église Sant Joean de Caselles) is a stunning example of Andorran Romanesque art. The church is located in Canillo in the North-East of Andorra.

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. 

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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.

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!

Until next time...