Iceland 1989 - The Carta Marina (Fragment 1)

It took twelve years to produce, and drew upon the ancient maps of Ptolemy and the more contemporary works of the Bavarian astronomer, Jacob Ziegler. The Carta Marina is the earliest known map of the Nordic countries in existence. 

Published in Venice in 1539, this beautiful map was the work of the Swedish ecclesiastic, Olaus Magnus, The full name for this map Carta marina et descriptio septentrionalium terrarum  Now, that is a big name! Speaking of big, the original version of this map measured an impressive 1.70 m wide by 1.25 m high. A colour reproduction was printed in 1572. The strikingly intricate detail of this map incorporates the Nordic lands of "Svecia" (Svealand), "Gothia" (Götaland), "Norvegia" (Norway), Dania (Denmark), Islandia (Iceland), Finlandia (Finland), and Livonia (Estonia and Latvia). Interestingly, a 10-year copyright was placed on the original version of this map by Pope Paul III. At the end of this 10 years the map naturally fell into obscurity to the point that centuries later, some speculated whether it even existed! Then in 1896 a copy of the map surfaced, putting that little controversy to bed for good.

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On 9 October 1989 Iceland issued a stunning Souvenir Sheet to raise money for the 1991 Nordia Stamp Exhibition. This Souvenir Sheet was engraved by Czeslaw Slania. It comprises 3 stamps, each with a value of 30kr. But each sheet actually sold for 130kr.

This is yet another exquisite example of Slana's ability to reproduce ancient maps on stamps, including the minutest details. That said, a closer look at each stamp on the sheet and some other detail is warranted...

Until next time...

Poland 1953 - Polish People's Army

I have always found the history of the development of armies during World War II both fascinating and somewhat confusing. Sometimes I struggle to get my head around all of the intricacies. The armies of Poland and the Soviet Union I find the most bewildering. So in an attempt to be brief I will give the bare bones of what I understand to be the formation of the Polish People's Army. I'm sure I'll probably miss bits, but here goes...

In 1941 Poland was occupied by both Nazi Germany and Soviet Union forces vying for control of the Russian Front. During this time Poles who were loyal to the Polish government-in-exile created the Polskie Siły Zbrojne na Wschodzie (Polish Armed Forces in the East). From this military force, two armies were born. The first was known as the Anders Army. After being evacuated to Persia in 1942, the Anders Army was placed under the control of the Western Allies and became known from then on as the Polish II Corps. This corp fought the Nazis in Italy.

The remainder of the army left in the Soviet Union became the Polish I Corps, and were under the control of the Soviets. From this army came the Ludowe Wojsko Polskie (The Polish People's Army), created in 1943. This was the armed force of the Polish communist government.

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On 10 October 1953 Poland issued a set of three stamps for the 10th Anniversary of The Polish People's Army.  The highest value in the set, the 1.75z value, was designed by Czeslaw Slania. This stamp features Lieutenant Roman Pazinski (1907-1943).

I have done a bit of searching on the internet in an attempt to identify the subject of this stamp, Lieutenant Roman Pazinski. So far I haven't had any success other than finding out he was depicted on a stamp. Not much help! Considering the date of his death I am assuming he fought with the Polish army and died around the time of the formation of the Polish People's Army. Does anyone out there know anything more about this fellow?

Addendum: I have been given an additional bit of information about Roman Pazinski. Apparently he fought in the Battle of Lenino in October 1943 in 1st Infantry Regiment. He died in this battle. For his service, he was awarded the Silver Cross of Virtuti Militari. My thanks to Keram for the info.

Until next time...

Iceland 1988 - Stamp Day

Today our Iceland journey is coming to an end. But what a ride it has been! Over the last few weeks we have been virtual passengers on the 1836 Gainard expedition. This expedition set off to explore Iceland and Greenland on the ship La Recherche. The leader of this expedition was Paul Gaimard, a French Naval surgeon and naturalist who wrote about the expedition in a nine volume work entitled: Voyage en Islande et au Groënland. This series, which included many illustrations, was then considered the definitive study of the islands. Another participant of the expedition was Auguste Mayer, a French artist who taught drawing at the École Navale. Mayer provided many gorgeous illustrations for Gaimard's book. 

So far we have visited thee Hvita River, where we have watched a group of people ford the river with their horses. To journey back to the Hvita River again, click HERE. Next we set sail for the trading village, Djúpivogur and its rugged mountain vistas. To drop anchor at the trading port of  Djúpivogur and say hi to the residents, click HERE

The final leg of or journey takes us to the farmlands of Núpsstadur, where farmers have been braving the tumultuous conditions since the 17th Century. What sort of dwellings did these intrepid folks live in? Auguste Mayer managed to capture the charm of some of these "very" rural properties in a lovely piece of art, reproduced in Paul Gainard's book, as mentioned above. But more on that in a moment. To whet the appetite, I found a great photo of one of these old farm houses.

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On 9 October 1988 Iceland issued a Souvenir Sheet for Stamp Day. This was the third year in a row that such a Souvenir Sheet was issued to celebrate Stamp Day. As with the other two issues in 1986 and 1987 this Souvenir Sheet was engraved by Czeslaw Slania. The design is based on the artwork of Auguste Mayer.

This design is truly sumptuous! It is a feast for the eyes wherever they roam: from the craggy, cloud-shrouded mountains in the background to the wonderfully detailed farm scene in the foreground. 

Walking along a stone path we come to a series of farmhouses covered in earth for protection against the harsh conditions. Then we are greeted by the locals, enjoying a bit of banter. What are they discussing, I wonder? Perhaps the weather? Or maybe even discussing a recent batch of mail? Whatever the case, we are compelled by this beautiful piece of art to sit, wonder, and ruminate on the lives of these remarkable people.

As I mentioned above, this is the last Iceland issue engraved by Czeslaw Slania. And what a stunner! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring the captivating wonders of Iceland. Honestly, I'm a little sad to be leaving it behind. But all good things must come to an end. What was your favourite Slania Iceland stamp? I'd love to hear your views.

Until next time...

Iceland 1987 - Stamp Day

In 1835 the Gaimard expedition set off to explore Iceland and Greenland on the ship La Recherche. The leader of this expedition was Paul Gaimard, a French Naval surgeon and naturalist who wrote about the expedition in a nine volume work entitled: Voyage en Islande et au Groënland. This series, which included many illustrations, was then considered the definitive study of the islands. Another participant of the expedition was Auguste Mayer, a French artist who taught drawing at the École Navale. Mayer provided many gorgeous illustrations for Gaimard's book. For more on this expedition check out my blog from two weeks ago - click HERE 

One of the locations the expedition visited in Iceland was commercial station at Djúpivogur. Throughout its history, Djúpivogur has been an important trading centre. In fact, its commercial records date all the way back to 1589. A warehouse from 1790, called Langabúð (the oldest warehouse in Djúpivogur)  still stands in the town, and it has even been recently renovated and is a Heritage Museum.

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On 9 October 1987 Iceland issued a beautiful Souvenir Sheet for Stamp Day. This was the second year in a row that Iceland issued a special Stamp Day issue. For the 1986 issue, see the link above. Just like 1986, the 1987 Souvenir Sheet was designed and engraved by Czeslaw Slania. And in my humble opinion, it is even better than the first. But, of course, I may be biased, since this Souvenir Sheet includes sailing ships!

This stunning landscape captures a moment in time with stunning clarity: from the stark and rugged landscapes surrounding Djúpivogur to the tall ships sitting at anchor in the habour; and from the small village perched atop the rugged terrain to the villagers rowing out to the ships in row boats to greet the traders in the ships.

Until next time...