We recall the figure of the great Cyprian Kamil Norwid on the stamp
The 200th anniversary of the birth of Cyprian Kamil Norwid, an outstanding poet and considered the fourth national poet of the Romantic era, was commemorated by the Polish Post in a unique philatelic issue.
Cyprian Kamil Norwid's biography and contemporary standing posed quite a challenge for Jarosław Ochendzan, the stamp's designer. He presented a colorful woodcut image of the eminent poet by Józef Łoskoczyński. At the bottom of the stamp, he included the issue name, "200th Anniversary of the Birth of Cyprian Kamil Norwid," and in the lower left corner, the value: 3.30 złoty and the inscription: Poland. The FDC envelope featured a fragment of the writer's manuscript, and the date stamp bore his handwritten signature.
" The anniversary of this exceptional poet's birth, celebrated this year, has become a catalyst for contemporary audiences to recall his life and work. With our latest issue, we wanted to explore the era and atmosphere that shaped his genius. The woodcut depicting Norwid on the stamp highlights a certain mystery that surrounded him. And although much has already been written about Norwid—and to fully understand his phenomenon, engaging with his art is essential—I believe that our issue will be an impetus for discovering him anew, " says Wiesław Włodek, Vice President of Poczta Polska.
Cyprian Kamil Norwid is considered a remarkable artist. He explored many artistic fields, being a poet, prose writer, playwright, sculptor, painter, and draughtsman. His works were not discovered until 14 years after his death. A misunderstood and therefore unknown artist, after struggling with tuberculosis and other ailments, he died in poverty in the St. Casimir's Asylum near Paris. Before settling in Paris as an emigrant, he wandered around Europe, even reaching New York.
About the stamp:
Author of the stamp design: Jarosław Ochendzan
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 3.30
Circulation: 120,000 pcs.
Printing technique: rotogravure
Stamp format: 43 x 31.25 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheet: 50 stamps per sheet
Date of introduction into circulation: September 24, 2021