In 1932, Italy released a series of postage and air mail stamps celebrating the Dante Alighieri Society, a prominent institution dedicated to promoting Italian language and culture globally. The set, catalogued as SG Nos. 314-325 (Postage) and 326-332 (Air), features some of Italy’s greatest historical figures, including poets, philosophers, and writers, alongside iconic works by Leonardo da Vinci.
The Dante Alighieri Society
- Founded: July 1889, named after Dante Alighieri, the celebrated author of The Divine Comedy and regarded as the father of the Italian language.
- Mission: To promote the Italian language and cultural heritage worldwide.
- Global Reach: Present in more than 60 countries, with local chapters conducting independent activities while adhering to the Society’s core principles.
The Stamp Designs
The stamps honour luminaries in Italian literature, history, and art, and are divided into two main categories: Postage Stamps and Air Mail Stamps.
Postage Stamps (SG Nos. 314-325):
- Giovanni Boccaccio (10c)
- Special Contribution: A pioneer of Renaissance humanism, celebrated for his influence on the early development of Italian prose.
- Greatest Work: The Decameron, a collection of 100 tales told by a group of young people seeking refuge from the Black Death.
- Niccolo Machiavelli (15c)
- Special Contribution: Known as the “father of modern political science” and a key figure in Renaissance thought.
- Greatest Work: The Prince, a political treatise that explores power dynamics and statecraft.
- Fra Paolo Sarpi (20c)
- Special Contribution: A Venetian historian, scientist, and advocate of church-state separation.
- Greatest Work: History of the Council of Trent, a critical account of the Catholic Church’s reforms during the Counter-Reformation.
- Vittorio Alfieri (25c)
- Special Contribution: Regarded as the “founder of Italian tragedy,” Alfieri is remembered for his advocacy of liberty and patriotism.
- Greatest Work: Saul, a tragedy based on the biblical story of King Saul.
- Ugo Foscolo (30c)
- Special Contribution: A poet, novelist, and patriot known for his romantic and neoclassical works reflecting themes of exile and national identity.
- Greatest Work: The Last Letters of Jacopo Ortis considered the first modern Italian novel.
- Giacomo Leopardi (50c)
- Special Contribution: A Romantic poet and philosopher celebrated for his profound reflections on human suffering and the sublime.
- Greatest Work: Canti, a collection of poems exploring themes of nature, love, and despair.
- Giosue Carducci (75c)
- Special Contribution: Italy’s first Nobel Prize winner in Literature (1906), he played a pivotal role in reviving classical forms in poetry.
- Greatest Work: Odi Barbare (Barbarian Odes), a collection of neoclassical poems.
- Carlo Botta (1.25L)
- Special Contribution: A historian and political writer, he chronicled key events in European history with a focus on Italian unification.
- Greatest Work: History of Italy Under Napoleon, a detailed account of Napoleonic influence on Italy.
- Torquato Tasso (1.75L)
- Special Contribution: A master of epic poetry, Tasso’s works combine Renaissance ideals with religious devotion.
- Greatest Work: Jerusalem Delivered, an epic poem about the First Crusade.
- Francesco Petrarch (2L)
- Special Contribution: Known as the “father of humanism,” Petrarch’s rediscovery of classical texts laid the foundation for the Renaissance.
- Greatest Work: Canzoniere, a collection of 366 poems devoted to his muse, Laura.
- Ludovico Ariosto (2.55L)
- Special Contribution: A key figure in Italian literature, his works blend chivalry, romance, and satire.
- Greatest Work: Orlando Furioso, a fantastical epic about the adventures of the knight Orlando.
- Dante Alighieri (5L)
- Special Contribution: The most iconic Italian poet, Dante is revered as the “father of the Italian language.”
- Greatest Work: The Divine Comedy, an allegorical journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise.
Air Mail Stamps (SG Nos. 326-332):
- Leonardo da Vinci’s Flying Machine Drawing (50c, 1L, 3L)
- Special Contribution: A Renaissance polymath, da Vinci’s visionary sketches of flying machines reveal his deep understanding of aerodynamics.
- Greatest Work: Codex on the Flight of Birds, a manuscript studying the mechanics of bird flight.
- Leonardo da Vinci (10L, 1.70L, 2.70L)
- Special Contribution: A genius of art and science, da Vinci’s works spans anatomy, engineering, and fine art.
- Greatest Work: Mona Lisa, the most famous painting in the world, and The Last Supper, an iconic mural.
Collectability
This set is highly valued for its artistic and historical significance, showcasing a cohesive theme that highlights Italy’s cultural and intellectual heritage. The inclusion of Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches for flying machines adds a unique touch, connecting Renaissance innovation to modern concepts of flight.
Legacy of the Dante Alighieri Society
This commemorative issue not only celebrates Dante’s legacy but also underscores Italy’s commitment to fostering cultural diplomacy through language and literature. Today, the Dante Alighieri Society remains a cornerstone of Italian cultural outreach, with chapters worldwide continuing the work of promoting Italy’s rich heritage.