Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
She is called Commerce.
An allegorical (symbolic) representation of commerce.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Hey Randy,
These figures appear on so many stamps, coins and fiscal documents. They seem to have fallen out of favor. I found this resource:
http://www.speel.me.uk/sculptallegorical/allegorical.htm
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Excellent find, Ernie.
I wasn't aware there were so many!
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Randy,
Yeah, that's a really neat list but I think it may be "UK-centric". "Liberty" is missing, "Commerce" is not there an of course, everyone's favorite....
"History Instructing Youth"(from donckelly.com) ...
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Changed the thread title...I'm interested in the use of allegorical figures and art overall. Would be interested to see world wide examples.
Login to Like
this post
Phenomenal thread with some terrific examples:
https://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=43020
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
What a fun topic! Symbolism is a very prevalent and prominent aspect of stamp design. Thanks, Ernie, for initiating it.
From the list that Ernie posted, I note that Medicine is also lacking.
That was the first thing I looked for after noting what the figure in the stamps is holding in her left hand. Looks like a "caduceus" to me. The symbol of the medical care field, wings on top, two serpents entwined on a supporting staff.
Taxes on patent medicines were not an insignificant source of Federal revenue.
From a Smithsonian site:
"During the Civil War the United States taxed patent medicines along with matches, playing cards, perfumes and other proprietary articles to fund the war effort and repay military debt. From 1862 to 1883, the United States required tax stamps...to be placed on all packaged medications. The government returned to patent medicine taxation during the Spanish American War (1898-1902), using a distinctive “battleship” stamp, as seen on the box of Warner’s Safe Asthma Cure."
Incidentally, the veterinary caduceus varies by having a "V" imposed in the middle of the staff...
-Paul
Login to Like
this post
Hey Paul,
Yes, the patent medicine industry was huge during that time. Today, we sit and watch TV and see ad after ad for prescription medications. 150 years ago things were much, much different but people had just as strong of a desire for medicine and "cures".
Login to Like
this post
09:54:02am
Gorgeous color on these.. Allegorical Figure. Ship in right hand scepter in left. Who is she?
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Allegorical Figures on Stamps
She is called Commerce.
An allegorical (symbolic) representation of commerce.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
08:54:38pm
re: Allegorical Figures on Stamps
Hey Randy,
These figures appear on so many stamps, coins and fiscal documents. They seem to have fallen out of favor. I found this resource:
http://www.speel.me.uk/sculptallegorical/allegorical.htm
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Allegorical Figures on Stamps
Excellent find, Ernie.
I wasn't aware there were so many!
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
08:09:55am
re: Allegorical Figures on Stamps
Randy,
Yeah, that's a really neat list but I think it may be "UK-centric". "Liberty" is missing, "Commerce" is not there an of course, everyone's favorite....
"History Instructing Youth"(from donckelly.com) ...
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
09:59:28am
re: Allegorical Figures on Stamps
Changed the thread title...I'm interested in the use of allegorical figures and art overall. Would be interested to see world wide examples.
Login to Like
this post
07:54:17pm
re: Allegorical Figures on Stamps
Phenomenal thread with some terrific examples:
https://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=43020
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
11:43:12am
re: Allegorical Figures on Stamps
What a fun topic! Symbolism is a very prevalent and prominent aspect of stamp design. Thanks, Ernie, for initiating it.
From the list that Ernie posted, I note that Medicine is also lacking.
That was the first thing I looked for after noting what the figure in the stamps is holding in her left hand. Looks like a "caduceus" to me. The symbol of the medical care field, wings on top, two serpents entwined on a supporting staff.
Taxes on patent medicines were not an insignificant source of Federal revenue.
From a Smithsonian site:
"During the Civil War the United States taxed patent medicines along with matches, playing cards, perfumes and other proprietary articles to fund the war effort and repay military debt. From 1862 to 1883, the United States required tax stamps...to be placed on all packaged medications. The government returned to patent medicine taxation during the Spanish American War (1898-1902), using a distinctive “battleship” stamp, as seen on the box of Warner’s Safe Asthma Cure."
Incidentally, the veterinary caduceus varies by having a "V" imposed in the middle of the staff...
-Paul
Login to Like
this post
09:13:28am
re: Allegorical Figures on Stamps
Hey Paul,
Yes, the patent medicine industry was huge during that time. Today, we sit and watch TV and see ad after ad for prescription medications. 150 years ago things were much, much different but people had just as strong of a desire for medicine and "cures".
Login to Like
this post