DDR year 1959 stamps Art / Paintings Dresden Art Collections MNH

DDR year 1959 stamps Art / Paintings Dresden Art Collections MNH full set In 1959, the German Democratic Republic (DDR) released the third and final installment of its series celebrating the return of art treasures from the Soviet Union. This set focuses specifically on the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery) in Dresden. Unlike the multi-colored sets from 1955 and 1957, the 1959 series is distinctive for its monochrome (single-color) design, which gives the stamps a classic, elegant appearance. The 1959 Stamp Series (Michel #693–697) This set consists of five stamps issued on June 29, 1959. ValueColorPainting TitleArtist5 PfBrown-oliveThe Vestal VirginAngelica Kauffman10 PfEmerald greenThe LacemakerGabriel Metsu20 PfDark redThe Chocolate GirlJean-Étienne Liotard25 PfBlueThe Judgment of ParisPeter Paul Rubens40 PfVioletHille Bobbe (The Witch of Haarlem)Frans Hals Historical Significance The series, titled “Von der Sowjetunion zurückgeführte Gemälde der Dresdner Gemäldegalerie (III)”, concluded a major diplomatic and cultural campaign. After WWII, thousands of artworks were taken from Dresden to the USSR. Their return between 1955 and 1958 was a massive propaganda event for the DDR, intended to showcase the “selfless friendship” of the Soviet Union. Collector’s Notes Printing: These were produced using recess printing (intaglio), which is why they have a tactile, textured feel compared to modern flat stamps. Designer: The stamps were designed by Erich Gruner, a prolific graphic artist in the early DDR. Variations: Look out for the 10 Pf (Metsu) stamp; there is a known plate flaw (Michel 694 I) featuring a small white circle on the footstool, which is highly sought after by specialists.