France has always been a beacon of art and culture, and its philatelic releases often reflect this heritage. On January 21, 2006, La Poste issued a beautiful set of self-adhesive stamps featuring Impressionist masterpieces by renowned painters. This issue not only celebrates the brilliance of Impressionism but also brings art to life through philately.
Issue Details
- Catalogue Reference: Stanley Gibbons 1624
- Issue Date: January 21, 2006
- Format:
- Denomination: 53c
- Design: Horizontal, self-adhesive booklet stamps
- Perforation: Die-cut perf 11½
- Usage: Suitable for letters weighing up to 20 grams.
- Set Composition: Ten stamps featuring iconic works by different Impressionist painters.
- Additional Format: Also available in se-tenant sheetlets of ten stamps with labels customizable by adding a photograph or logo.
This set is a visual feast for art lovers and stamp collectors alike, featuring ten works that epitomize the Impressionist movement.
The Stamps and the Artists
- Berthe Morisot – La Chasse aux Papillons
- Artwork: “The Butterfly Hunt”
- Artist: One of the founding members of Impressionism, Morisot was known for her delicate brushwork and light-filled domestic scenes.
- Mary Cassatt – Mère et Enfant
- Artwork: “Mother and Child”
- Artist: An American painter and printmaker, Cassatt captured intimate moments of motherhood with exceptional tenderness.
- Auguste Renoir – Jeunes Filles au Piano
- Artwork: “Young Girls at the Piano”
- Artist: Renoir’s vibrant and sensual style made him a central figure in Impressionism, celebrated for his depictions of social gatherings.
- Camille Pissarro – La Bergère
- Artwork: “The Shepherdess”
- Artist: Known as the “Father of Impressionism,” Pissarro was a master of rural scenes and an innovative use of light and colour.
- Vincent van Gogh – Mademoiselle Gachet dans son Jardin
- Artwork: “Mademoiselle Gachet in Her Garden”
- Artist: A post-Impressionist genius, Van Gogh’s works are known for their emotional intensity and bold, swirling colours.
- Henri-Edmond Cross – L’Air du Soir
- Artwork: “Evening Air”
- Artist: A pioneer of Pointillism, Cross brought a dreamy, luminous quality to his landscapes.
- Edgar Degas – Danseuses
- Artwork: “Dancers”
- Artist: Renowned for his studies of movement, Degas focused on dancers and modern life with striking composition and colour.
- Édouard Manet – Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe
- Artwork: “Luncheon on the Grass”
- Artist: Often considered a precursor to Impressionism, Manet challenged traditional norms with his provocative and modern works.
- Paul Gauguin – Femmes de Tahiti
- Artwork: “Women of Tahiti“
- Artist: Known for his bold, exotic scenes, Gauguin’s work often drew inspiration from his travels to Polynesia.
- Vincent van Gogh – Le Jardin de Daubigny
- Artwork: “Daubigny’s Garden”
- Artist: One of Van Gogh’s final works, capturing nature with his signature vibrant strokes.
Collectors’ Appeal
This issue is particularly appealing to:
- Art enthusiasts who appreciate the timeless beauty of Impressionism.
- Thematic stamp collectors interested in art and cultural topics.
- Those drawn to visually rich and educational philatelic releases.
Call to Action
Which masterpiece from this issue is your favourite? Share your thoughts or stories about Impressionist stamps in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more philatelic treasures and artistic insights.