Описание: | In 1926, the Belgian sovereigns realized the artist’s value, following the issue of a stamp for the benefit of the fight against tuberculosis. After a very complete artistic training (drawing, painting, engraving . . . ), he joined in 1907 the National Postage Stamps Printing-house in Mechelen. Going up step by step in the hierarchy, he finished there his career in 1945, as a senior foreman. While keeping his office at the Postage Stamps Printing-house, De Bast worked then as a free engraver, realizing works of very high quality. From that time onwards, the direction of the Postal Services stopped to appeal to foreign artists, and De Bast became its appointed engraver. His first works in philately are, in 1919, the drawing of the famous series “Helmeted King” and, in 1922, the engraving of King Albert I’s effigy (“Houyoux” type). In accordance with the wish of the King, a competition was organized between four Prix de Rome and De Bast, who was the winner. Jean De Bast (Brussels, 1883-1975) is a Belgian postage stamps draughtsman and engraver. |