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. Many designers and engravers produced Marianne stamps:
- Marianne de Gandon was designed by Pierre Gandon and engraver by Henri Cortot.
- Marianne de Muller was designed by Louis Muller and engraved by Jules Piel.
- Marianne and the Ship of State was designed by André Regagnon and engraved by Jules Piel
- Marianne de Decaris was designed by Albert Decaris and engraved by Jules Piel
- Marianne de Cocteau was designed by Jean Cocteau and engraved by Albert Decaris
- Marianne de Cheffer was from a previously rejected design by Henri-Lucien Cheffer and engraved by Claude Durrens after his death
- Marianne de Béquet was designed by Pierre Béquet
France