Description: This definitive postage stamp from the Provisional Government of the French Republic showcases the "Marianne de Gandon" design printed in a striking teal-green color palette. The composition centers on a close-up profile portrait of Marianne, the national personification of France, wearing her symbolic Phrygian cap against a solid background. The large face value "4f" occupies the upper-right corner layout, with the word "POSTES" oriented vertically below it. The intertwining initials "RF" representing République Française sit nestled in the bottom-left corner, while the tiny engraved credits of artist Pierre Gandon and engraver Henri Cortot line the very bottom edge. A heavy, bold postmark from Arras dated January 20, 1948, sweeps darkly across the central portrait.
Circa: 1945-1949
Condition: Used - Hinged
Notes:
Pierre Gandon originally designed this iconic portrait under extreme circumstances in 1944 during the German occupation of Paris. Following the liberation of France, General Charles de Gaulle personally selected Gandon's design from numerous entries to replace both the collaborationist Vichy regime stamps and the temporary provisional overprints.