The France 1950 National Relief Fund stamps, issued on July 10, 1950, honour six key figures from the French Revolution. This semi-postal series was created to raise funds for national relief while commemorating revolutionary leaders and intellectuals. The stamps are masterpieces of engraving, featuring frames in slate-blue, and include a surcharge for the National Relief Fund.
Stamp Details
- Designers and Engravers:
This stunning set was designed and engraved by multiple notable artists, including Barlangue, Cottet, Cheffer, Lemagny, Dufresne, and Mazélin, with the 20f.+10f. stamp engraved by Ouvré. - Catalogue Information:
- Stanley Gibbons Numbers: SG 1095–1100.
- Valuation:
- The complete set is highly prized, valued at £130 mint and £110 used, underscoring its significance for serious collectors.
- Perforation: Perf 13.
Portraits of Revolutionary Figures
- André Chénier (1762–1794)
- Stamp Value: 5f.+2f. reddish purple.
- Role: A poet and critic, Chénier is celebrated for his patriotic and emotional works. He spoke out against the excesses of the Reign of Terror, which tragically led to his execution.
- Jacques-Louis David (1748–1825)
- Stamp Value: 8f.+3f. purple-brown.
- Role: A master painter and propagandist of the French Revolution, David immortalized key moments such as the Tennis Court Oath through his powerful neoclassical artworks.
- Lazare Carnot (1753–1823)
- Stamp Value: 10f.+4f. carmine.
- Role: Known as the “Organizer of Victory,” Carnot restructured the French military, leading the Republic to crucial victories in the Revolutionary Wars.
- Georges Danton (1759–1794)
- Stamp Value: 12f.+5f. orange-brown.
- Role: A charismatic revolutionary leader, Danton played a pivotal role in establishing the First French Republic. Despite his execution, he remains a symbol of revolutionary passion.
- Maximilien Robespierre (1758–1794)
- Stamp Value: 15f.+6f. green.
- Role: A leading figure of the French Revolution, Robespierre championed democratic ideals but became infamous for his leadership during the Reign of Terror.
- Lazare Hoche (1768–1797)
- Stamp Value: 20f.+10f. blue.
- Role: A brilliant military general, Hoche defended the Republic during internal uprisings and external threats, embodying the values of the Revolution.
Collecting Insights
- Symbolism: The set encapsulates the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity through the lives of its key figures.
- Valuation: With a value of £130 mint and £110 used, this set is a prized possession for advanced collectors of French philately.
- Artistic Appeal: The detailed engravings and high-quality designs make these stamps a standout example of mid-20th-century French philately.
Call to Action
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