The 1945 French “Broken Chains” (Chaînes Brisées) stamps, featuring the Cross of Lorraine, symbolize liberation from German occupation during World War II. Broken chains traditionally symbolize freedom from slavery and oppression. Designed by André Rivaud (1892–1951), and engraved by Henri Cortot (1892–1950).
The effigy of Ceres, goddess of growing plants in Roman mythology, was used on the first French issued in 1849 as a representation of the French Republic. Charles Mazelin (1882–1968) redesigned the effigy for the 1945 liberation definitives, thereafter known as Cérès de Mazelin. Engraved by Henri Cortot.
Marianne is the central, enduring symbol of the French Republic, embodying the national values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Represented as a woman wearing a Phrygian cap, she symbolizes the triumph of democracy over monarchy. Marianne de Gandon was designed by Pierre Gandon (1899–1990) and engraver by Henri Cortot.
France