On 10 November 1961, France issued a beautiful set of stamps to honor its rich artistic heritage. This French Art Series features works by four iconic modern artists—Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, Paul Cézanne, and Roger de La Fresnaye. These stamps serve as miniature tributes to masterpieces that shaped modern art movements.
Stamp Details
Issue Date: 10 November 1961
Catalogue Numbers: 1551–1554
Printing Method: Recess
Perforation: Perf 13 x 12
Design and Engraving: Gandon and Cottet (1f multicolored stamp)
Colors: Multicolored
Catalogue Values
- 50c (Georges Braque – The Messenger): £4.75 unused / £2.50 used
- 65c (Henri Matisse – Blue Nudes): £7.50 unused / £3.75 used
- 85c (Paul Cézanne – The Card Players): £4.00 unused / £2.50 used
- 1f (Roger de La Fresnaye – The Conquerors): £6.00 unused / £3.75 used
- Complete Set of 4: £21.00 unused / £11.50 used
Featured Paintings and Artists
50c – The Messenger by Georges Braque (1882–1963)
- About the Painting: This work exemplifies Braque’s Cubist style, characterized by fragmented forms and muted color palettes. The Messenger reflects his experimentation with abstraction and symbolism.
- Design: The stamp captures Braque’s subdued tones and layered composition, with a dove symbolizing communication and peace.
65c – Blue Nudes by Henri Matisse (1869–1954)
- About the Painting: Blue Nudes is part of Matisse’s famous paper cutout series, where simplified human forms are depicted in bold blue tones. This series represents his late-career shift toward abstraction and minimalism.
- Design: The stamp showcases Matisse’s mastery of form and movement, using vibrant blue hues to convey a sense of fluidity and harmony.
85c – The Card Players by Paul Cézanne (1839–1906)
- About the Painting: One of Cézanne’s most iconic works, The Card Players captures a quiet moment of concentration between two men playing cards. The composition reflects his signature use of color and structure.
- Design: The stamp reproduces this intimate scene, emphasizing the earthy tones and geometric shapes that influenced later modernist movements.
1f – The Conquerors by Roger de La Fresnaye (1885–1925)
- About the Painting: The Conquerors is a key work of Cubism, blending abstract forms with patriotic symbolism. Created during World War I, it celebrates unity and strength through its bold, angular figures.
- Design: The stamp features the vivid colors and geometric structures of the original painting, reflecting La Fresnaye’s innovative style.
Significance of the Series
- Tribute to Modern Art: This set showcases works by some of France’s most influential modern artists, each of whom helped shape global art movements like Cubism, Post-Impressionism, and Fauvism.
- Art for Everyone: By featuring famous artworks on stamps, this series makes high art accessible to collectors and the general public.
- Cultural Pride: The stamps celebrate France’s enduring legacy as a center of artistic innovation and creativity.
Why Collect This Series?
- Artistic Value: The detailed engravings beautifully reproduce the original paintings, making these stamps miniature masterpieces.
- Cultural Significance: Each stamp connects to pivotal moments in the evolution of modern art.
- Affordability: With reasonable catalogue values, this set is accessible to collectors of all levels.
Your Turn to Share
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Let’s celebrate the intersection of art and stamps, one masterpiece at a time!