Cameroun 1946 - Definitives (Part 2)

The people of Cameroun have many proud traditions. Perhaps one of the most enduring of these is archery. It is depicted within government symbols of power. It is used for cultural icons. There are also many local sayings and proverbs involving archery. It is therefore fair to say that archery permeates the culture of Cameroun people.

***

In August 1946 Cameroun issued a set of 19 definitives comprising 6 different designs, three of which were designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. In Part 1 we studied the first design, featuring banana porters. The second of these designs features a Cameroun archer. This design was printed in four values, each with its own unique colour. I love this design. The determination and concentration on the face of the archer. The rather intricate design work of the quiver. The lovely dappling of flora around the composition. And the traditional hut in the background to the bottom left. Great stuff, Monsieur Decaris!

Until next time...

Cameroun 1946 - Definitives (Part 1)

It is known as "Africa in miniature" due to its geological and cultural diversity. You name it, Cameroun seems to have it. Beautiful mountains, beaches, deserts, even rainforests. Cameroun is also home to an abundance of natural resources, making it a prime candidate for agriculture. Indeed, an estimated 70% of the population farms something. So what would one expect to find growing on these farms? Well turns out, agriculture in Cameroun is as diverse as its geology and culture. 

"Soils and climate on the coast encourage extensive commercial cultivation of bananas, cocoa, oil palms, rubber, and tea. Inland on the South Cameroon Plateau, cash crops include coffee, sugar, and tobacco. Coffee is a major cash crop in the western highlands, and in the north, natural conditions favour crops such as cotton, groundnuts, and rice." (Wikipedia)

***

In August 1946 Cameroun issued a set of 19 definitives comprising 6 different designs, three of which were designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. The first design, bearing the lowest values of the three Decaris designs, features banana porters. As mentioned above, there are copious banana plantations along the Cameroun coastline. Here Decaris has captured the true nature of the hard graft required to work in the farming industry. Clad only in loincloths to beat the heat, these porters labour along with massive loads balanced expertly upon their heads. 

Until next time...

France 1958 - Heroes of the Resistance (Part 1 - Jean Cavaillès)

It is defined as the act of fighting against something that is attacking you, or refusing to accept something. We are of course talking about resistance. And perhaps none typify and deserve the distinction of this title than the French Resistance, La Résistance in French.

It all began in the summer of 1940. The Nazis had barnstormed into France and the swastika was now flying high in Paris from such prominent places as the Hôtel de Ville and on top of the Eiffel Tower. Amid this turmoil, a prominent French writer by the name of Jean Cassou, penned the words, refus absurde "absurd refusal". Little did he know, these words would inspire the proud citizens of France to rise up against the Nazi intruders in any way possible. Thus the Resistance was born. The Resistance was for the most part organised into small groups of men and women who engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Nazis. Additionally, they published underground newspapers, established effective intelligence networks, and maintained escape routes for Allied soldiers trapped behind enemy lines. For more detailed information on the Resistance, click HERE.

***

On 21 April 1958, France issued the second set of stamps in a series titled Heroes of the Resistance. This set comprised four stamps. All stamps were designed by Albert Decaris, but he only engraved two. In this blog we shall study the first and lowest value stamp in the set. This stamp depicts Jean Cavaillès. It was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

Jean Cavaillès was actually a rather interesting character. He was a French philosopher and mathematician, specializing in the philosophy of science. At the outbreak of World War II, he joined the French army and was placed as an infantry lieutenant with the 43rd Regiment. In this capacity he was twice honoured for bravery. Unfortunately, he was captured by the Nazis on 11 June 1940 and imprisoned in Belgium. But after a little over a month in prison he managed to escape.

Over the next four years he devoted his life to the Resistance. In December 1940 he helped create a group of resistance fighters called The Last Column. This group began publishing a newspaper called Libération. Then in 1941 he travelled to Paris and helped establish the Libération-Nord resistance group.

By 1942 he found himself at the head of an intelligence network known as Cohors. His prominent position in the Resistance placed him squarely in the cross-hairs of the Vichy Regime. Consequently, in February 1943 he fled to London, where he met with General Charles de Gaulle. After meeting with de Gaulle on several occasions, he returned to France in April. Now determined to assume a more hands-on role in the Resistance, was placed in charge of the sabotage of the stores of the Kriegsmarine in Brittany, and the German radio installations along the coast. Sadly, he was betrayed by one of his liaison officers and he was arrested on 28 August, 1943. He was imprisoned in Fresnes, where he was tortured, then moved to Compiègne. He was shot by a firing squad on 17 February, 1944.

In 1969, The Centre Cavaillès de l'École Normale Supérieure was established in Paris, to honour both the bravery and academic work of Jean Cavaillès.

Until next time...

I Muse...On Different Styles

Due to personal issues I haven't looked very much at my stamp collection for several months now. But I have still been purchasing bits and pieces, which has led to a growing stockpile of unsorted material. A few days ago I decided to tackle the task of reorganising my Albert Decaris collection to incorporate all the new acquisitions. While poring over some of my lovely new Decaris stamps I came across a stunning airmail stamp he designed and engraved for Cameroun in 1964, depicting a black rhinoceros. This got me to thinking about the black rhinoceros Pierre Gandon engraved for the 1946 definitive series of French Equatorial Africa. Two of my favourite engravers working on the same subject. What a fantastic opportunity to make a stylistic comparison.

***

There are two species of rhinoceros that roam the plains of Africa, the black rhinoceros and the white rhinoceros. The black rhino is the smaller of the two species, but can still weigh in at an impressive 3,000 pounds. So how does one tell between a black rhino and a white rhino? If you ever dare get close enough to a black rhino, or like me, you are studying one from the comfort of your lounge room, you will notice that the black rhino has a distinguishable hooked upper lip. Sadly, according to worldwildlife.org: 

"Populations of black rhino declined dramatically in the 20th century at the hands of European hunters and settlers. Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino numbers dropped by a sobering 98%, to less than 2,500. Since then, the species has made a tremendous comeback from the brink of extinction. Thanks to persistent conservation efforts across Africa, black rhino numbers have doubled from their historic low 20 years ago to between 5,042 and 5,455 today. However, the black rhino is still considered critically endangered..."

***

 Okay, before we get down to studying the two aforementioned rhino stamps, let me pose a few questions. Are you an admirer of the use of multiple colours on engraved stamps? Or do you rock it old school and adhere to a strictly monochrome palette? Or do you, like me, admire the virtues of both methods? I ask these questions because your answer may very well influence your preference regarding the two stamps you are about to see.

***

First up, let's take a look at Pierre Gandon's black rhino, issued by French Equatorial Africa in 1946 as part of a definitive series. It must be noted that this engraving was issued in three values, each with its own colour. For the purposes of this blog I have chosen to illustrate the 30c violet black stamp. I think this particular colour really enhances Gandon's artwork.

In this design, Gandon has chosen to frame his majestic black rhino in the flora and fauna of its native habitat. A particularly nice touch is the python slithering its way up the right side of the frame.  

***

Now we come to Albert Decaris' black rhino, issued by Cameroun 15 December 1964. This stamp was printed in three colours (really only two colours considering the third colour was used solely for the ttitles), which some engraving enthusiasts may frown upon. But I believe in this instance the extra colour serves to enhance rather than hinder this lovely work of art.

In this design Decaris has beautifully illustrated the lumbering majesty of the black rhino, printed in dark brown. The background, printed in green, depict trees and grassy plains, providing us a glimpse into the world in which this giant chooses to live.

***

So now that you've studied both stamps, which is your favourite? Do you prefer the classic monochrome artwork of Gandon? Or does the multi-coloured creation of Albert Decaris appeal to you more? I've personally given this a lot of thought and sat staring at each stamp alone, then together, for a long while. And to be totally honest, I can't decide. I happen to like both interpretations equally. Both artists were immensely talented, and both artists brought something unique for us to admire into their pieces of art. I have to say I really enjoyed spending time with each artist and his work.

Until next time...