France 1955 - Saint-Simon

Louis de Rouvroy, also known as Duke of Saint-Simon, was a French soldier, diplomat and a noted diarist. He was born 16 January 1675. Saint-Simon began his career in the military, but this was not where his heart lie. After serving in the military for some ten years, he retired in 1702 his commission against his father's wishes, and he ensconced himself into the intrigues of court life. 

Saint-Simon now spent his time writing, recording as much of the juicy gossip around him as he could manage to put to paper. Apparently he was incredibly prolific in his note-taking. It is worth noting that during his lifetime, Saint-Simon's writing did not achieve much notoriety. But posthumously he has achieved great literary fame. Critics over time have discovered he had great narrative skill and he was very talented in building quite complex characters. His work has been compared to the historical writings of Tacitus and Livy. Additionally, he can be credited for turning the word 'intellectual' into a noun, and he is possibly the creator of words such as 'patriot' and 'publicity'. Saint-Simon died 2 March 1755.

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On 7 February 1955, France issued a stamp commemorating the 200th anniversary of the death of Saint-Simon. This stamp was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

I particularly like the colour choice of of this striking portrait. The dark background serves to highlight the intricate detail of Saint-Simon's hair. The clothing has also been superbly rendered. In conclusion, an excellent portrait of a truly fascinating character.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

France 1954 - Metric System

The origins of the metric system can be traced back to 1799 during the French Revolution. Fed up with the existing units of measurement, the French Republic implemented a new decimal system based on the kilogram and the metre. Initially, the system didn't last. France reverted back to their old system in 1812. But then in 1837 it was once again adopted by France, and this time it stuck.

In order to maintain this system internationally, three controlling bodies were set up in 1875 in France:-

1. The International Committee for Weights and Measures (French: Comité international des poids et mesures- CIPM). 
2. International Bureau of Weights and Measures (French: Bureau international des poids et mesures - BIPM). 
3. The General Conference on Weights and Measures (French: Conférence générale des poids et mesures - CGPM)

On 6 October 1954 France issued a stamp to commemorate the 10th General Conference on Weights and Measures (number 3 on the list above). The stamp was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

This beautiful stamp depicts the Angel of the French Republic measuring a meridian arc across the earth. Decaris has captured the far-reaching impact of the metric system in a profound way. Stunning!

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

I Study...Some Printing Techniques

I have previously written two blogs studying the printing issues surrounding the France 1948 reissues of the 1946 Luxembourg Palace issue, designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. I think I have finally grasped the processes involved in creating the reissues, thanks to the help of a reader of the blog. Thanks Florian.

Okay, let's try to finally put the printing issues faced with the 1948 reissues to bed. I previously discussed the basic principles of intaglio printing, so I won't go into it all again. Click HERE for the blog. What I will do is elaborate on that process, which, I hope will finally explain why the 1948 Luxembourg reissues look different to the original issue in 1946. It has to do with the process required to create an altered reissue.

Here is a brief summary of what happens...to the best of my knowledge. A transfer roller or 'relief' roller is created from the master die. This 'relief' roller then has the alterations made to it. The raised or 'relief' portions that need to be changed are removed from the roller. Then this 'relief' roller is hardened, and used to create a secondary master die. It is on this secondary master die that the new values are created (by an in-house engraver). Then a transfer roller with the new value is created. It is these processes on top of further use by the transfer roller to the printing plate which can, over time, round the edges of the sharp lines of the engraving, having the effect of blurring the image somewhat. 

Also, as I stated in a previous blog (you can find the link above), the ink choice for the 15f stamp contributed to the blurring effect. The consistency of the red ink was quite thick and therefore more difficult to wipe away any excess, which ended up on the paper, effectively blotting the image.

I am the first to admit that I am the farthest thing removed from a printing expert as there ever can be, but I am slowly learning all the lingo etc... I do hope my rambling narrative of this process has not been too tiresome for you. As I said in the 'About Me' page, the purpose of the blog is to chronicle my learning journey, so I'm bound to get things wrong at times. But that's the fun of a hobby in my eyes.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!

France 1954 - Abbey of Saint Philibert

Created in 1953, the International Centre for Romance Studies (Le Centre International d'Etudes Romanes) is located in Tournus, Burgundy, France. It is commonly known by the acronym CIER. The aim of the centre is to promote the study of Romanesque Art through exhibitions, study tours, and conferences and other activities. It is also dedicated to the preservation of the local monuments of Tournus, such as the Abbey of Saint Philibert, and the St. Lawrence church.

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On 20 June 1954, France issued a stamp to commemorate the establishment of the CIER. The stamp has a value of 30f. It was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

This stamp is beautifully designed. It features a Romanesque column in the foreground, while in the background stands the lovely Abbey of Saint Philibert. This striking church was once a Benedictine Abbey. It was founded in 875 by Benedictine monks who were fleeing Viking raids on the community on Noirmoutier. They carried with them holy relics of Saint Philibert of Jumièges.. The building that survives today was designed in the Romanesque style of Burgundy.

Until next time...

Stay Decaris Crazy!