In this article, we will discuss 3 commemorated personalities on forever stamps or commemorative stamps for their major influence. These personalities are William Shakespeare, the famous playwright, Queen Isabella of Spain, wife of King Ferdinand, and Lionel Barrymore, Academy award winner actor for his monolog in A Free Soul.
Born in April: William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, born on April 23rd, 1564, is one of the most prominent playwrights in the history of theater and drama. He is most famous for his plays, such as Romeo and Juliet, Othello, Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice, King Lear, among others.
| Country | Scott Catalogue Number | Name | Face Value | Issuing Year | Color | Postage Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States of America | #1250 | William Shakespeare | 5¢ | 1964 | Black, brown | William Shakespeare – commemorative postage |
Shakespeare is present on a 5¢ black brown stamp issued in 1964. The reason for celebrating him is that his role as a literary figure is so major and important. Naturally, through the passing of time, he has transcended any boundaries regarding language, culture, or time. Near his right hand is placed the skull of “alas, poor Yorick.”
Born in April: Queen Isabella
Queen Isabella of Spain, born April 22nd, 1451 is one prominent figure. She is part of a handful of foreign rulers who are on US stamps. Queen Isabella is most known for two reasons. She endorsed Christopher Columbus’s trip to the New World. And as King Ferdinand’s wife. During their reign, Spain was a united country passing through major political and religious reforms.
| Country | Scott Catalogue Number | Name | Face Value | Issuing Year | Color | Postage Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States of America | #2624c | Queen Isabella | 1 | 1893 | Crimson lake | Queen Isabella Pledging her Jewels |
She is shown on some commemorative stamps during the 1893 Columbian Exposition issue. The reissuing of the stamp took place in 1992. The stamp is known as Queen Isabella Pledging her Jewels (Scott 241, 2624c). She is also present on a $4 postage stamp alongside Columbus himself (244, 2625c).
Born in April: Lionel Barrymore
Lionel, born April 29th, 1878, was the oldest of three siblings in the Barrymore family. He was a stage actor, while also performing in radio plays and having movie roles. Lionel also composed music for films and has directed more than a dozen movies. He won the Best Actor Academy Award in 1932. The award was for his role as alcoholic attorney Stephen Ashe in A Free Soul. He has also appeared as Scrooge in a radio performance of the famous A Christmas Carol and has played the role of a heartless banker in a movie direct by Frank Capra: the golden era cinema movie A Wonderful Life.
| Country | Scott Catalogue Number | Name | Face Value | Issuing Year | Color | Postage Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States of America | #2012 | Lionel Barrymore | 20¢ | 1982 | Photogravure coloring | Performing Arts Series Issue –The Barrymores |
His and his siblings’ celebration is made through the 1982 20¢ Performing Arts stamp.
Conclusion
These figures are so important to the cultural and historical heritage of the United States. Two of them are on the USPS commemorative stamps for contributions to literature, politics and the incomparable performances in acting on stage and in movies.
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