“The Flute Player” (Amar Nath Sehgal)
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Luxembourg |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | March 14, 2023 |
| Denomination | Rs. 25 |
| Quantity | 116,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Shri Anuj Zood |
| Catalog Codes |
Colnect codes IN 2023.03.14-01a Michel IN 3876 |
| Themes | Diplomacy | Famous people | Joint Issues | Men | Sculptors | Sculptures |
A Celebration of Lord Krishna
“The Flute Player” is one of the most celebrated bronze sculptures by Amar Nath Sehgal, created in 1958. The artwork draws inspiration from Lord Krishna, a revered deity in Indian philosophy and culture. Krishna, often depicted as a divine flute player, embodies wisdom, tenderness, youth, and strength. His music, flowing from the hollow flute, is believed to represent the human heart – filled with love and devotion when touched by divine grace.
Symbolism in the Sculpture
Sehgal’s Flute Player is more than a physical representation; it is a profound spiritual metaphor. The figure of Krishna stands as a symbol of love, harmony, and blessings, while the flute signifies the human soul, which resonates only when filled with the breath of divinity. The sculpture’s flowing form captures the grace, rhythm, and serenity of Krishna’s persona, reflecting Sehgal’s deep sensitivity as an artist.
Artistic and Cultural Impact
This sculpture embodies Sehgal’s ability to combine Indian spiritual themes with modernist artistic expression. While rooted in mythology, it transcends religious boundaries to communicate universal values of peace, joy, and inner harmony.
The Flute Player has found place in prestigious collections across the world. It exists in an edition of five, housed in institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), Paris, the National Museum of History and Art (MNHA), Luxembourg, and was also presented to UNICEF on behalf of the children of India.
A Bridge Between Cultures
Much like Sehgal himself, who lived and worked between India and Luxembourg, The Flute Player acts as a bridge of cultures, carrying an Indian spiritual essence into global artistic spaces. Its presence in international collections is a reminder of how art speaks a universal language, connecting people across borders through beauty, meaning, and shared human values.
A Joint Philatelic Tribute
To mark the 75 years of India–Luxembourg diplomatic relations, the Department of Posts of India and Luxembourg Post have jointly issued a Commemorative Postage Stamp. Featuring Sehgal’s masterpieces The Friends and Flute Player, the stamps celebrate not only the enduring friendship between the two nations but also the role of art and culture in connecting people across borders.
First Day Cover
