Share your allegorical figures on stamps

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 18 Jan 2013 01:39

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Allegorical figures are personifications, often female, of abstract concepts or emotional states. Please post images of your stamps depicting allegorical figures here.

Here are images of four stamps depicting allegorical figures designed after door-panel Art Deco bas-reliefs created by Canadian architect Ernest Cormier, OC (1885-1980), and installed in the United Nations General Assembly building in New York city, designed by Danish artist Ole Hamann, chief of the UN Postal Administration, printed by combined engraved (centers) and lithography by the British American Bank Note Company, and issued by the United Nations on May 28, 1967 at the World's Fair Expo 67 held in Montréal, Québec, Scott Nos. 170 &171, 173 & 174.

- nethryk

"Peace"

"Justice"

"Fraternity"

"Truth"

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 18 Jan 2013 01:56

Here are images of the four Red Cross semi-postal allegorical "Seasons" stamps in a set designed by Pierre Gandon after paintings by French artist Nicolas Mignard (1606-1668), and issued (CTO) by France.

- nethryk

Engraved by Pierre Gandon, and issued on December 16, 1968:

"Spring," Scott No. B421, Y&T No. 1580

"Autumn," Scott No. B422, Y&T No. 1581.

Engraved by Pierre Béquet, and issued on December 15, 1969:

"Summer," Scott No. B423, Y&T No. 1619.

"Winter," Scott No. B424, Y&T No. 1620.

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 18 Jan 2013 02:17

Allegorical figures may also symbolize nations; here are images of a couple of examples.

- nethryk

"Austria," with wings and monogram, designed by Austrian artist Wilhelm Dachauer (1881-1951), engraved by Ferdinand Lorber, and issued by Austria on October 8, 1949, Scott No. 567.

"France" welcoming home her people repatriated from Spain, semi-postal stamp designed by French artist René Grégoire (1871-1945), engraved by Antonin Delzers (1873-1943), and issued by France on August 8, 1938, Scott No. B75, Y&T No. 401.

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 18 Jan 2013 02:27

Here are images of three more for today.

- nethryk

"Commercial Progress," engraved and printed by Waterlow & Sons, Ltd., and issued by Uruguay on November 21, 1910, Scott No. 195.

Allegorical figures symbolizing European and African cities, airmail stamp designed and engraved by Albert Decaris, and issued by Senegal on April 18, 1964 to publicize the Congress of the World Federation of Twin Cities, held in Dakar, Scott No. C35.

"Fortitude," designed after a statue in stucco by Italian Rococo sculptor Giacomo Serpotta (1652-1732), engraved by R. di Giuseppe, and issued by Italy on July 26, 1976, Scott No. 1228.

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 19 Jan 2013 00:27

Here are images of three engraved stamps depicting allegorical figures, issued by Brazil on May 8, 1945 as part of a five stamp set commemorating the victory of the Allied Nations in Europe, Scott Nos. 628, 629 & 631.

- nethryk

"Tranquility"

"Glory"

"Peace"

philatarium · Post by **philatarium** » 19 Jan 2013 04:50

Nethryk:

As always, great posts, beautiful scans!! I will follow this thread with interest.

Thanks,

-- Dave

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 19 Jan 2013 13:07

philatarium - Thank you!

Here is a "threefer" for all of my mates in Oz: A stamp depicting allegorical figures of the "Angel of Peace," "Motherhood," and "Industry," designed by George Lissenden, engraved by Frank Manley, and issued by Australia on February 18, 1946 as the high value in a set of three stamps commemorating victory and peace in 1945, Scott No. 202.

- nethryk

Rigasprat · Post by **Rigasprat** » 19 Jan 2013 13:45

Indeed ! A glorious thread with sumptuous stamps. A visual treat. Finely researched.

Thank You nethryk.

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 19 Jan 2013 23:16

Rigasprat - Thanks!

Here is an image of a stamp depicting "Peace," designed by Czech artist Max Švabinský (1873-1962), engraved by Jindra Schmidt, and issued by Czechoslovakia on September 23, 1959 as one of a set of three stamps commemorating the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Scott No. 906.

- nethryk

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » 20 Jan 2013 01:41

Melita, representing Malta and the Maltese people.

This image was designed by Edward Caruana Dingli in 1922, which was featured on a set of postage stamps commemorating Malta's self-government. The design shows Melita wearing a garment over a breastplate showing the Maltese Cross, a helmet and sandals. She is holding a rudder representing the Maltese in control of Malta's destiny.

Melita first appeared on a Maltese postage stamp in 1899 -

Edit - here's a better copy from the 1914 set -

Dave.

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 21 Jan 2013 08:23

DaveR - Thank you for sharing your outstanding post about Melita.

"Marianne" is a national emblem of France and an allegory of Liberty and Reason. She has been portrayed in various ways on a number of stamps issued by France over the years, often wearing a Phrygian cap, symbolic of Liberty. Here is an image of a stamp featuring my favorite version of her: the "Grande Marianne de Gandon," designed and engraved by Pierre Gandon, and issued by France on March 12, 1945, Scott No. 556, Y&T No. 733.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 22 Jan 2013 02:16

Here is an image of a stamp depicting "Liberty" wearing a Phrygian cap and breastplate, and wielding spear and shield, engraved and printed by Waterlow & Sons, Ltd., and issued by Uruguay on December 5, 1895, Scott No. 120.

- nethryk

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » 22 Jan 2013 06:52

And, of course, the Statue of Liberty - Libertas, the Roman Goddess of Freedom.

The Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World; French: La Liberté éclairant le monde) is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbour, designed by Frédéric Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886. The statue, a gift to the United States from the people of France, is of a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, who bears a torch and a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. A broken chain lies at her feet. The statue is an icon of freedom and of the United States: a welcoming signal to immigrants arriving from abroad. [Ref - Wikipedia.]

From the US Liberty Issue series of 1954-65.

Dave.

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » 22 Jan 2013 09:27

To make amends for a Brit posting celebratory images of the Statue of Liberty

- here's Britannia.

Britannia is an ancient term for Great Britain, and also a female personification of the island. The name is Latin, and derives from the Greek form Prettanike or Brettaniai, which originally designated a collection of islands with individual names, including Albion or Great Britain. However, by the 1st century BC Britannia came to be used for Great Britain specifically. In AD 43 the Roman Empire began its conquest of the island, establishing a province they called Britannia, which came to encompass the parts of the island south of Caledonia (roughly Scotland). The native Celtic inhabitants of the province are known as the Britons. In the 2nd century Roman Britannia came to be personified as a goddess, armed with a trident and shield and wearing a centurion's helmet.

The Latin name Britannia long survived the Roman withdrawal from Britain in the 5th century, and yielded the name for the island in most European and various other languages, including the English Britain and the modern Welsh Prydain. After centuries of declining use, the Latin form was revived during the English Renaissance as a rhetorical evocation of a British national identity. Especially following the Acts of Union in 1707, which joined the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, the personification of the martial Britannia was used as an emblem of British imperial power and unity. [Ref Wikipedia]

Britannia, Ruling the Waves

1940 Mulready
Britannia sending four winged messengers across the world

1913 £1 Sea Horse
A dramatic image of Britannia on her chariot behind three writhing horses on a stormy sea
Designed Bertram Mackennal, Dies eng J. A. C. Harrison. Recess
Printed by Waterlow Bros & Layton

(The £1 was not printed by De la Rue or Bradbury Wilkinson.)

1990 "Stamp World London '90" International Stamp Exhibition
Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Penny Black
Based on the King George V Sea Horse design

1993 £10

Dave.

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 22 Jan 2013 13:07

DaveR - That's a neat balancing act you're performing.

Here are images of the three allegorical stamps in a set designed by various Swiss artists, engraved by Jean Sprenger, printed by typography, and issued by Switzerland on August 1, 1919 to commemorate the Peace after World War I, Scott Nos. 190-92.

- nethryk

"Soldiers shaking hands, signifying Peace," designed by Edouard Vallet (1876-1929).

"Peace," designed by Paul Théophile Robert (1879-1954).

"Dawn of Peace," designed by Otto Baumberger (1889-1961).

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 22 Jan 2013 13:28

NSW 1897 Charity pair. The 2/6d was the FIRST full colour stamp issued anywhere in the world, and better still, involved metallic GOLD ink!

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 23 Jan 2013 01:08

G. A. - How charitable of you to share images of such rarities with us!

Here is an image of a stamp depicting "Prosperity" holding a sheaf of wheat, designed by Argentine artist, engraver and illustrator Amadeo Dell'Acqua (1905-1987), printed by photogravure, and issued by Argentina on August 26, 1954 to commemorate the centenary of the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange, Scott No. 643.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 23 Jan 2013 13:08

"Germania" is the personification of the German nation or the Germans as a whole, most commonly associated with the Romantic Era and the Revolutions of 1848, though the figure was later used by Imperial Germany. Here is an image of a definitive stamp depicting "Germania," designed by German artist Paul Eduard Waldraff (1870-1917), printed by typography, and issued by Germany on April 1, 1902, Scott No. 68, Michel No. 71, plus an image of an oil painting (1914) of "Germania" by German portraitist and historical painter Friedrich August von Kaulbach (1850-1920).

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 24 Jan 2013 23:10

Here is an image of a stamp depicting the head of "Liberty," engraved and printed by American Bank Note Company, and issued by Brazil on November 30, 1906, Scott No. 186.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 25 Jan 2013 23:58

Here is an image of a parcel post stamp depicting the Roman god Mercury and an allegorical figure of "Commerce," designed by Portuguese artist António Quaresma, engraved by Guilherme Augusto Santos, printed by typography, and issued by Portugal in 1921, Scott No. Q2. Note the large gear in Commerce's left hand.

- nethryk

Lambinator · Post by **Lambinator** » 26 Jan 2013 01:53

The woman on the left represents (I think) Europe, or caucasians (or maybe just the Czechoslovak Republic—see later), and the woman on the right Asia, or maybe 'everyone else'. Czecheslovakia SG1081, 60 haleru green, issued 23 March 1959, 10th Anniversary of Declaration of Human Rights, designed by Max Švabinský, engraved by Jindra Schmidt. The inscription on the stamp reads:

DEN LYDSKÝCH PRÁZ
ROVNOST RAV

which Google translates as:

Human Rights Day
race equality

A suspiciously similar-looking woman appears on Czechoslovakia's SG1072, where she is described as 'Garlanded Woman ("Republic")' by the Stanley Gibbons catalogue editors.

For more info see "New commemmorative stamps Day of the Human Rights", The Czechoslovak Specialist XXI(192):78–79, May 1959; https://CzechoslovakPhilately.org/pdf/1959_05_May.pdf (6Mb).

I think this is a beautiful stamp.

aethelwulf · Post by **aethelwulf** » 26 Jan 2013 03:23

Most, if not all, states in Europe have a female figure--Britannia, Marianne, Germania, Mother Russia. But I can't think of one for my native home, Canada...we just have the beaver.

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » 26 Jan 2013 04:19

aethelwulf wrote:Most, if not all, states in Europe have a female figure--Britannia, Marianne, Germania, Mother Russia. But I can't think of one for my native home, Canada...we just have the beaver.

I can do you an allegory on a Canadian stamp -

Allegory of Flight

Allegorical figures and fantastic creatures representing flight abound and frequently take the form of flying beasts or human figures equipped with wings.

Dave.

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 26 Jan 2013 04:23

Ahem. Perhaps this one might also serve to represent Canada in this thread: Here is an image of a stamp featuring a portrait of telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922), with a winged allegorical figure of "Fame" depicted as holding a laurel wreath above his head whilst standing atop the globe, plus telephone poles and wires, designed by Canadian artist Herman Herbert Schwartz (1885-1962), engraved by Silas Robert Allen (1888-1958), and issued by Canada on March 3, 1947 to commemorate the centenary of Bell's birth, Scott No. 247.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 27 Jan 2013 02:47

Here is an image of a stamp depicting allegorical figures of "Family," "Homeland" and "Labor," designed after original artwork by French sculptor Évariste Jonchère (1892-1956), printed by photogravure, and issued for use in the former colony of French Indochina on November 5, 1943 to commemorate the third anniversary of the National Revolution, Scott No. 229.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 29 Jan 2013 03:57

Here is an image of a stamp depicting "Italia" and a sprouting oak stump, designed by Italian artist Renato Garrasi, printed by photogravure, and issued by Italy on October 1, 1945, Scott No. 475.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 29 Jan 2013 23:23

Here is an image of a telegraph stamp depicting "Charity" protecting the "Poor," designed by Portuguese artist Pedro Guedes (1874-1965), engraved by A. Pedrozo, printed by typography, and issued by Portugal in 1915, unlisted in Scott, Michel No. 8.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 31 Jan 2013 03:10

"Helvetia" is the female national personification of Switzerland. Here is an image of a stamp depicting "Helvetia," designed by Swiss graphic artist Hermann Eidenbenz (1902-1993), printed by photogravure (Courvoisier S.A.) on granite paper, and issued by Switzerland on February 27, 1948 as one of a set of four stamps commemorating the tercentenary of the Treaty of Westphalia, and the centenaries of the Neuchâtel Revolution and the Swiss Federation, Scott No. 314.

- nethryk

jjarmstrong47 · Post by **jjarmstrong47** » 31 Jan 2013 19:54

Venus

Costa Rica - Allegory of the Air Mail

The Triumph of Ariadne. He doesn't look too unhappy at being triumphed over.

I believe she represents independence.

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 01 Feb 2013 02:23

Great contributions, everyone! Please keep 'em coming...

The seal of the British island colony of Saint Vincent featured allegorical figures of "Peace" and "Justice," a gold altar inscribed with clasped hands, and a cotton plant. Here is an image of a stamp designed after the colony's seal, engraved and printed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co., and issued for use in St. Vincent on March 11, 1948, Scott No. 141, plus an image of the coat of arms of the now independent country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

- nethryk

JonEboy · Post by **JonEboy** » 01 Feb 2013 06:21

I just dropped into this thread for a fix of 'nethryk magic' knowing that you only post stamps once on any thread (and I knew there would be some more line engraved beauties hanging out here!) and was surprised to see Glen's post including this stamp

Surprised because I've just been looking at a picture of a mint version of this on the front of an upcoming auction catalogue. Described within as "New South Wales 2/6 Consumptives Home superb SG281 l/m Cat £200" and with a starting price of 50% of cat at £100 it would appear that this is quite rare.

If anyone wants details to put in a bid, message me

Jon

JonEboy · Post by **JonEboy** » 01 Feb 2013 08:03

I've also just noticed that my catalogue lists this stamp and the entire set as 'Allegories of Republic' though I'm none the wiser for that.

The stamp is Czechoslovakia SG210 issued as part of a series in 1920-22

If anyone has additional information I'd be interested to learn more?

Jon

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » 01 Feb 2013 08:56

Here you go Jon - found in the Philatelic Database.

Celebrating the independence of Czechoslovakia, 28 October 1918.

"The allegory shows a figure of a woman, dressed in Slovak national dress, in a joyful posture of thanksgiving. In the background at base are shown Mount Rip (Bohemia) and Mount Krivan (Slovakia)."

Ref - http://www.philatelicdatabase.com/stamp-designers/stamps-of- ... inbreaker/

Breaking their "chains of bondage" following the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of WWI.

Saw something about this the other day when looking-up the Bohemia & Moravia Protectorate.

Dave.

JonEboy · Post by **JonEboy** » 01 Feb 2013 09:30

DaveR wrote:Here you go Jon - found in the Philatelic Database.

Celebrating the independence of Czechoslovakia, 28 October 1918.

"The allegory shows a figure of a woman, dressed in Slovak national dress, in a joyful posture of thanksgiving. In the background at base are shown Mount Rip (Bohemia) and Mount Krivan (Slovakia)."

Ref - http://www.philatelicdatabase.com/stamp-designers/stamps-of- ... inbreaker/

Breaking their "chains of bondage" following the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of WWI.

Saw something about this the other day when looking-up the Bohemia & Moravia Protectorate.

Dave.

Brilliant! Thanks Dave, great detective work. As I'm now getting into Czech stamps this is very useful stuff....

Cheers,

Jon

jjarmstrong47 · Post by **jjarmstrong47** » 01 Feb 2013 13:27

There was some discussion on them here:
http://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=41014&p=3162440&hilit=chainbreaker#p3162440

jjarmstrong47 · Post by **jjarmstrong47** » 01 Feb 2013 13:50

Ceres, complete with reaping hook, appears on many stamps of Portugal and colonies.

jjarmstrong47 · Post by **jjarmstrong47** » 01 Feb 2013 14:05

Ireland viewing the new constitution

Youth sowing the seeds of freedom.

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 01 Feb 2013 23:24

Here is an image of a semi-postal (charity) stamp depicting allegorical figures of "Life" and "Death," designed and engraved by Albert Decaris, and issued by France on April 4, 1970 to benefit the the fight against cancer and the Red Cross, Scott No. B441, Y&T No. 1636.

- nethryk

jjarmstrong47 · Post by **jjarmstrong47** » 02 Feb 2013 09:25

Looks like the cigarette packets we have in Australia.

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 03 Feb 2013 00:43

Speaking of Oz: Here is an image of a stamp depicting an allegorical figure holding a palm branch and a shield bearing the Southern Cross motif, designed by A. Harrison, engraved by Waterlow & Sons, Ltd., printed by A.J. Mullett, and issued by Australia on May 9, 1927 to publicize the opening of Parilament House, Canberra, Scott No. 94.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 03 Feb 2013 23:08

Here is an image of an engraved postal tax stamp depicting an allegorical helmeted figure of "Health" protecting children with sword and shield, issued by Cuba on December 1, 1940 to benefit anti-tuberculosis funds, Scott No. RA3. Note the Cross of Lorraine – a symbol of the anti-TB “crusade” - on "Health's" chest.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 05 Feb 2013 00:32

Here is an image of a stamp depicting Umění radosti ("Art of Joy"), an allegorical bronze relief by Czech sculptor Jan Simota (1920-2007), designed by M. Hegar, combined engraved by Josef Hercík and photogravure, and issued by Czechoslovakia on February 6, 1985 to commemorate the centenary of the University of Applied Arts, Prague, Scott No. 2545.

- nethryk

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » 05 Feb 2013 08:09

nethryk wrote:Here is an image of an engraved postal tax stamp depicting an allegorical helmeted figure of "Health" protecting children with sword and shield, issued by Cuba on December 1, 1940 to benefit anti-tuberculosis funds, Scott No. RA3. Note the Cross of Lorraine – a symbol of the anti-TB “crusade” - on "Health's" chest.

- nethryk

While we're on 'Health' - we can't miss out the New Zealand Health charity stamps.

Hygeia:
In Greek and Roman mythology, Hygieia (also Hygiea or Hygeia), was a daughter of the god of medicine, Asclepius. She was the goddess/personification of health, cleanliness and sanitation. She was the daughter of Asclepius and Epione.

Hygieia also played an important part in her father's cult. While her father was more directly associated with healing, she was associated with the prevention of sickness and the continuation of good health. Her name is the source of the word "hygiene".

Hygeia, Goddess of Health - New Zealand Health Stamp, 1932

The image most people, I guess, would associate with health is a nurse:

The first New Zealand Health Stamps - 1929 & 1930

As nethryk's Cuban health stamp above, both these were to raise funds for the fight against tuberculosis and also feature the Cross of Lorraine. A number of countries health/child charity stamps seem to have started out raising funds for tuberculosis - the Dutch kinderpostzegels and the Swiss pro juventute are two I have collections of.

Dave.

jjarmstrong47 · Post by **jjarmstrong47** » 05 Feb 2013 13:03

The allegory of womanhood as seen in 1962 for the Associated Country Women of the World Conference in Melbourne. Designed by D.Dundas and engraved by G. Lissenden. How times have changed!

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 06 Feb 2013 00:40

DaveR & jjarmstrong47 - Nice ones! Thanks for sharing.

Here is an image of a stamp depicting a winged allegorical figure of "Peace," printed by photogravure, and issued by Romania on February 25, 1947 as one of a set of four stamps commemorating the signing of the peace treaty of February 10, 1947 between Romania (which had been allied with Nazi Germany during World War II) and the Allied and Associated Powers, Scott No. 643.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 07 Feb 2013 00:58

Here is an image of a stamp depicting an allegorical figure of "Science," designed by Czech artist Karel Svolinský (1896-1986), combined engraved by Ladislav Jirka and photogravure, and issued by Czechoslovakia on November 17, 1977 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Czechoslovak Academy of Science, Scott No. 2146.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 08 Feb 2013 01:55

Here is an image of a stamp depicting a winged allegorical figure of "Road Transport" holding a globe, engraved and printed by Thomas De La Rue & Co., Ltd., and issued by Ecuador on October 30, 1938 as one of a set of four stamps commemorating the Progress Of Ecuador Exhibition, Scott No. 373. Note the other interesting design elements, including a horse-drawn omnibus and a futuristic motorized bus.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 09 Feb 2013 00:12

Here is an image of a stamp depicting a seated female figure of "Peru" and various other allegorical symbols, engraved and printed by American Bank Note Company, and issued by Peru in 1902, Scott No. 164.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 10 Feb 2013 01:15

Here is an image of a stamp depicting an "Allegory of Learning," a male figure holding up a burning torch and a condor, printed by lithography, and issued by Bolivia in May, 1938, Scott No. 248.

- nethryk

nethryk · Post by **nethryk** » 11 Feb 2013 00:52

The Homecoming: Here is an image of a stamp depicting two women embracing each other, symbolic of North Schleswig's reunion with Denmark, designed by Danish artist Poul Christensen (1907-1977), engraved by Czesław Słania, and issued by Denmark on June 15, 1970 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reunion, Scott No. 470, Facit No. 522.

- nethryk