Saturday, 5 March 2016

France 1947 - Saint Julien Cathedral

Saint Julien Cathedral, dedicated to a saint of that name, is a catholic cathedral, located in Le Mans, France. The Cathedral's namesake, Saint Julien of Le Mans, was the city's first Bishop. In the 4th Century, he established Christianity in the area.


Construction of the cathedral commenced in the 6th Century and continued through to the 14th Century. The building is a homage to Gothic architecture, and it features amazing stained glass windows and splendid bifurcated flying buttresses, which I will come back to in a bit.
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On 6 January 1947, France issued a set of five stamps celebrating some of its great cathedrals. The Saint Julien Cathedral stamp was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. It has a 6f face value with a 4f surcharge for the benefit of the French Mutual. This is a sterling stamp with fine, crisp detail that belies the immense scale and Gothic beauty of the building.


One of the details I love on this stamp is the depiction of the flying buttress detail. They are awesome and worth a loser look...


Until next time...


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