Dr. Svetoslav Roerich (1904-1993)
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Birth Centenary |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | October 27, 2004 |
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 600000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 2057 Stamp Number IN 2084 Yvert et Tellier IN 1822 Stanley Gibbons IN 2237 WADP Numbering System - WNS IN043.04 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Famous people | Men | Painters | |
Table of Contents
Commemorative Stamp: Dr. Svetoslav Roerich
Design Elements:
- Portrait of Dr. Svetoslav Roerich: The stamp prominently features a beautifully rendered portrait of Dr. Svetoslav Roerich, capturing his artistic spirit and deep connection to both Russian and Indian cultures.
- Background Imagery: The background includes elements that reflect his artistic journey—paintings of Indian landscapes, Himalayan mountain ranges, and portraits of people, symbolizing the diversity he portrayed in his art.
- Incorporation of Indian and Russian Motifs: The design subtly blends traditional Indian art motifs with Russian cultural patterns, symbolizing the confluence of the two cultures in his work and life.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
Dr. Svetoslav Roerich was a legendary artist who chose to make India his home, bridging the cultural worlds of Russia and India. His works encapsulated the beauty of India’s natural landscapes, its flora and fauna, and its people. Roerich’s life symbolized a deep spiritual and aesthetic engagement with India, blending his Russian heritage with Indian influences. His association with Indian leaders and intellectuals like Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, as well as his marriage to Devika Rani, cemented his place in Indian cultural history.
Usage:
The stamp is ideal for sending cultural greetings, especially to honor the rich legacy of cross-cultural exchange between nations. It can also be used for occasions celebrating Indian fine arts, international collaboration, and significant cultural events.
Importance of the Commemorative Stamp:
This stamp honors the legacy of Svetoslav Roerich, not just as an artist but as a cultural ambassador who fostered an enduring bond between India and Russia. His contributions to Indian art and his philosophical work on humanism in art are a testament to the power of cultural synthesis. By issuing this stamp, the Department of Posts recognizes the invaluable role he played in the development of Indian fine arts and cross-cultural relations.
Example of the Stamp Design:
The stamp would depict a striking portrait of Roerich, alongside miniature representations of his famous paintings, including those that depict India’s Himalayan landscapes, traditional Indian subjects, and colorful representations of local life. A blend of Indian and Russian artistic elements will be present to symbolize his cross-cultural influence.
The Commemorative Stamp Set might include:
- Artistic Landscapes: Paintings of Indian scenes, mountains, and rural life, reflecting Roerich’s deep engagement with Indian culture.
- Cultural Exchange: Depictions of Russian motifs integrated with Indian subjects, symbolizing the unity of both cultural heritages in his work.
Significance:
The commemorative stamp honors Dr. Svetoslav Roerich’s unique contribution to art and culture, symbolizing the seamless blending of two great civilizations—Russia and India. His artistic legacy continues to inspire, and the issuance of this stamp celebrates his indelible mark on Indian art history.