I heard an item on Woman's Hour the other day that may interest TAG readers - and the knowledge may possibly come in handy for those going for French citizenship or participating in whatever the French equivalent of Trivial Pursuits may be. It was about Marianne and her image on French stamps. News to me that each incoming President chooses a version of Marianne to be on stamps during their 'reign'. In the late 60's it was Brigitte Bardot, in 1985 Catherine Deneuve and later other models and actresses.
Francois Hollande said that 'I have decided following my election that the republic's new stamp would have the face of youth, that it would be created by youth and that it would be chosen by youth'. A jury of lyceen was formed and they chose an image by artist Olivier Cappa who has revealed that he was inspired by the Ukranian activist Inna Shevchenko of the protest group Femen. Outrage as you may imagine - she's not French for a start although now based in Paris having been granted political asylum in France - and the movement often stages topless street protests. If you want my opinion that seems a trifle outdated as a feminist protest strategy, but there we are. Cappa points out that Delacroix' 1830 image of Marianne in his painting Liberty Leading the People which celebrates the July Revolution was just about topless ... That painting in its time was radical and political so at least there's a valid link to the use of a political activist here rather than an actress or model even if the choice is a bit dodgy.
Shevchenko does seem to have a way with her. She tweeted 'Femen is on French stamp. Now homophobes, extremists, fascists will have to lick my ass when they send a letter'. Hmmm, aren't all stamps self-adhesive now? Just as well.
Liz
Val says Blue stamps are not self adhesive so we will all be licking those!
Liz
Val says Blue stamps are not self adhesive so we will all be licking those!
