Confirmed varieties of Statues

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In 1959 the Soviet Union issued a series of postage stamps titled “Sculptural Monuments”. The stamps each feature one of the notable Soviet monuments or sculptures located in various cities across the country.

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Each stamp in the series is designed with a solemn, monument-style aesthetic: against a solid coloured background is depicted the statue or monument in full height, without superfluous details. This design emphasises the image as a symbol tied to historical and cultural significance. The stamp layout includes a border, the title of the monument and the inscription “USSR. Post,” giving the issue a concise and official look.

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The series’ theme is the commemoration of memory, historical heritage and cultural landmarks: the monuments depicted honour prominent persons or events significant from the Soviet ideological and social-consciousness viewpoint. Through this medium the stamp becomes not just a tool for postal payment, but also a miniature piece of memorial propaganda.

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This series is of interest not only to stamp-collectors but also to art-historians: it reflects the approach to monument imagery in the post-war period, as well as the role of postage stamps as elements of cultural policy. At the same time, the set itself stands out as an example of beautiful and restrained printing of the era: high-quality production, crisp silhouettes and harmonious colour schemes all underline the aesthetic side of the issue and its widespread accessibility.

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Postage stamp specifications:

• Design: Kh. Ushenin

• Print: Intaglio

• Raster: Square

• Perforation: Comb 12½ : 12

• Circulation: 2 000 000

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Confirmed varieties of stamps of 1959 Statue of Lenin

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1. dot over "1"

2. two dots over "НИ"

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Confirmed varieties of stamps of 1959 Statue of Repin

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1. dots on the sides of the brush

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Confirmed varieties of stamps of 1959 Statue of Mayakovsky

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1. spot next to the upper frame

2. dots between monument and date

3. dot between "К В"