As a literary device, an allegory is a metaphor whose vehicle may be a character, place or event, representing real-world issues and occurrences. Allegory (in the sense of the practice and use of allegorical devices and works) has occurred widely throughout history in all forms of art, largely because it can readily illustrate or convey complex ideas and concepts in ways that are comprehensible or striking to its viewers, readers, or listeners. This includes and is well portrayed in the designs of stamps.
Stamp Designers have typically used allegories as visually / specific to the country they wish to convey.
Allegories on French Stamps
Maxicard used in 1959 with Frejus 35c+5c for relief of the flood victims of Frejus Dam failure.
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Ever since the very first stamp of Great Britain featured Queen Victoria in 1840; Countries have used male or female images to reflect their strengths.
In some cases they used their own head of states image, in others they used the message of Allegories in their Roman/Greek forms to portray what they wanted to show.
France used Allegorical images throughout its stamp issuing period extensively.
Victoria as head of Great Britain made the most of having her image shown on stamps that were to be sent around the world.
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Frances first issue in 1849 featured Ceres the Roman goddess of Agriculture, Ceres was redesigned and used on the issue for 1870 Mercury had been used earlier on stamps as well as using the allegory of Herald Mercury returned to stamps in 1938' Iris was the messenger of the Gods and was used on stamps issued in 1939 Peace with her Olive branch was featured in the 1932 set In 1954 the Sower turned into the Reaper with her harvesting the land, again a throwback to the allegorical form of Ceres, however it is normally described as a 'Farm Worker'
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Peace & Commerce (Sage design) 10c Postal Card of 1893 The Rights of Man 10c Postal Card of 1902 The Sower 30c 1925 Liberty, Equality, Fraternity on the 1900 2c stamp.
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The Pnuematic Post had their own design, initially it was to be the Sage design, however that was not ready by the time the Pnuematic Post started, so the French Postal Authority chose to use the design of Chaplains - Peace and Liberty until the Sage design was prepared for use.
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Marianne 1999 PhilexFrance minisheet showing Detail of Marianne from the painting by Delacroix
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It is arguable that the use of the Sower, a common citizen wearing a phrygian hat, to represent release from struggle and suffrage eventually
led to the creation of the Marianne being used on their stamps. The Gandon Marianne has been used for long periods in one way or another in French issues
Marianne was again rejuvenated much later.
The many guises of Marianne through the engravings of Gandon; Designer Signed Marianne Postal Card issued during the Postmark Exibition 1945
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Mourning cover sent from Paris to New York,USA, featuring 2x5c. Censor control cover 1945 sent Vic-Fezansac to London
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Marianne black proof issued to celebrate Marianne Bicentennial 2F,30 also Marianne 2000 as issued on an airmail from Seinne-Maritime to NSW Australia 1994
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Clockwise from top Sabine In a move away from Marianne, France issued a stamp showing Sabine (after David), Sabine is also the name of a type of Olive grown in France which connects back to Peace and her Olive Branch Issue. Marianne by Cheffer From the 1967 design. Marianne Liberté, égalité, fraternité 1,70Fr Green, Liberty by Delacroix From the 1982 design.
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