Monaco’s 2022 stamp program returns with familiar names like Elsa Catelin, Yves Beaujard and of course Pierre Albuisson. It’s always exciting to see some of the great French designers and engravers pop up. Fabrice Monaci and Michel Verrando (automotive art) also return with this year’s Legendary Cars and Drivers series.
Last year I mentioned how disappointed Monaco’s FDCs were. They reuse the same generic cover for every issue. That creates a bit of a disjointed design because the cover art rarely has anything to do with the actual stamp. Given the immense talent Monaco Post uses for their stamps, it’s a bit confusing why they don’t extend their work to the entire cover. If anyone has an answer, I’d appreciate knowing the reason.
Despite my FDC complaint, it’s still nice to see familiar names back for design duties.
Enjoy the year.
Catpaw
January
Monaco
1 stamp in a booklet of 10
rotogravure
Layout: CREAPHIL
Release date: January 4, 2022
10th New Generation & 45th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival
2 stamps
offset
Designer: Alain André
Release date: January 10, 2022
Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games
1 stamp, sheets of 10, FDC, cancel
offset
Designer: Thierry Mordant Le Site Officiel – Thierry Mordant ® (thierry-mordant.com) and Thierry MORDANT – Annuaire des Artistes de Monaco
Mordant designed Monaco’s 2021 Centenary of International Hydrographic Organization stamp.
Winner of the 2020 Yvert & Tellier cover competition with his “Monde Timbre” painting. He has also designed over 50 stamps during his career.
Release date: January 17, 2022
400th Anniversary of the Birth of Molière
1 stamp, sheets of 6, FDC, cancel
intaglio 3 colour
Biography of Molière (etudes-litteraires.com) (in French)
Moliere Biography – Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements (thefamouspeople.com) (in English)
Designer: Yves Beaujard
Beaujard designed the 2021 Gustave Flaubert’s 200th Anniversary . Over his 20 year career, his designs have appeared on French, TAAF and Greenland, beginning with his 1999 with the intaglio stamp for Frédéric Ozanam.
Release date: January 17, 2022
February
25th Anniversary of The Association Les Enfants de Frankie
1 stamp
offset
Association Les Enfants de Frankie (in English)
Artwork: The Children of Frankie
Release date: February 2, 2022
Admission of Prince Albert I to the Institut De France
1 stamp
offset
Created in 1795, the Institut de France’s mission is to offer the five Academies a harmonious framework to work on the improvement of letters, sciences and arts, on a non-profit basis Institut de France – Home
The 5 academies are:
- Académie Française (French Academy)
- Académie des inscriptions et belles-lettres (Academy of Humanities)
- Académie des sciences (Academy of Sciences)
- Académie des Beaux-Arts (Academy of Fine Arts)
- Académie des sciences morales et politiques (Academy of Moral and Political Sciences)
Designer: Pierre Albuisson using a photo from the © Archives and Library of the Prince’s Palace.
Albuisson designed 4 stamps for Monaco last year. I’ve often referred to him as the grand-père of French engraving, and rightfully so. He has influenced an entire generation of engravers and designers.
Pierre Albuisson – Artiste Dessinateur – Maître Graveur (pierre-albuisson.com)
Release date: February 2, 2022
10th Anniversary Of The Art’ochtones
1 stamp
offset
The association Les ART’Ochtones was created in 2012. It brings together primarily Monegasque creative artists, “children of the country” and residents of Monaco and neighboring municipalities.
Art’Ochtones develop artistic events and exhibitions with social and government partners (National Education, Youth and Sports, Princess Grace Hospital, Directorate of Cultural Affairs,…) or private entities, both in Monaco and abroad.
(20+) Association Les ART’Ochtones – Monaco | Facebook
Designer: Joël Tchobanian
Tchobanian designed 2 stamps for Monaco in 2021 including the SEPAC – Old Maps set.
Release date: February 18, 2022
Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters
1 stamp
offset
Postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic.
Home – Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (montecarlotennismasters.com)
Designer: © Lee Wybranski
Release date: February 18, 2022
London 2022 – International Stamp Exhibition
1 stamp
intaglio 6 colours
London 2022 International Stamp Exhibition – International Stamp Exhibition
Designer: Elsa Catelin
Elsa Catelin designs and/or engraves stamps for many postal authorities, including Monaco, France & TAAF.
Catelin is one of my favourite engravers/designers. She also designed and/or engraved 3 stamps for Monaco in 2021.
You can see more of her work on her website Elsa Catelin | Philatélie, estampe, gravure et illustration. More illustrations of this stamp can be found on her site Monaco the Nivéole of Nice | Elsa Catelin
Release date: February 18, 2022
March
Legendary Racing Cars
2 stamps
offset
- Vanwall VW5 1958 Vanwall Formula 1 – Revs Institute. The Vanwall webpage has some spectacular photos of the car.
- Benetton B195 Benetton – Renault B195 n.1 winner the Formula 1 World Champion 1995 (racingcardraws.com)
Designer: Fabrice Monaci
Monaci began designing stamps in 2004, 75 years of the Palais de Justice for Monaco. He is well known for his automotive artwork.
He was involved in the 2020 and 2021 Legendary Racing Cars stamps.
Release date: March 8, 2022
Legendary Drivers Of F1 – Jochen Rindt
1 stamp
Rotogravure
Designer: Michel Verrando
Michel Verrando – AutomotiveArtists.com
Like Monaci, Verrando is a well known automotive artist. He designed the 2021 Legendary Drivers set. This article, Michel Verrando: all the techniques for the art of running – News d’Anciennes (newsdanciennes.com) is in French, use Google translate. It’s an interesting look at his artwork.
Release date: March 8, 2022
The Nude In Art – Jupiter’s Abduction Of Europa
1 stamp
offset
The abduction of Europa is a common theme in paintings. You can find many paintings using “Abduction of Europa”, “Rape of Europa” and “Zeus’ Abduction of Europa” keyword phrases. You can learn more about the myth here Myth of Europa, the godmother of a whole continent | Greeka
Artwork from © Archives and Library of the Prince’s Palace
Prince’s Palace of Monaco (palais.mc)
Release date: March 17, 2022
Opera Singers
2 stamps
Victor Maurel – June 17, 1848 – October 22, 1923
Artwork: Cyril de la Patellière
Engraver: Pierre Albuisson
intaglio 4 colors
Felia Litvinne – October 11, 1860, Saint Petersburg – October 12, 1936, Paris
Artwork & engraving: Sarah Lazarévic
Intaglio 6 colours
Albuisson & Lazarévic both worked on the 2021 Opera Singers stamps
Release date: March 17, 2022
Centenary of the Rainier III Academy
1 stamp
offset with hot gilding
Rainier III Academy – Music and Theatre – Monaco City Hall (academierainier3.mc)
Designer: Stefano Morri
Morri designed Monaco’s EUROPA 2021 – Long-snouted Seahorse stamp
Release date: March 25, 2022
International Dog Show
1 stamp
offset
The International Dog Show runs May 7 and 8, 2022
Photo from © Société Canine de Monaco
Release date: March 25, 2022
April
Monument of the Monégasques to Albert I
1 stamp
intaglio & offset
Monégasques | Encyclopedia.com
Designer: André Lavergne
Release date: April 12, 2022
Jules Massenet
1 stamp
intaglio & offset
Massenet, Jules – Classical Music (classical-music.com)
Designer: Sophie Beaujard
Release date: April 12, 2022
Former Fiefdoms of the Grimaldi: Garagnone and Terlizzi
2 stamps
heliogravure
History and Heritage / Government & Institutions / Portail du Gouvernement – Monaco is a good starting place to learn about Monaco’s history.
Artwork: ©Archives and Library of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Release date: April 20, 2022
120 Years of the Directorate of Public Security
1 stamp
offset and screen printing
Designer: © Direction de la Sûreté
Release date: April 29, 2022
MonacoPhil 2022
1 stamp
offset
Designer: CréaphilPrint
Monaco’s International Philatelic show runs from November 24-26 2022
Release date: April 29, 2022
May
EUROPA 2022 – Myths and Stories: Malizia
1 stamp
offset
François Grimaldi – Malizia 1201 – 1309
Founder of the Grimaldi dynasty of Monaco in January 8, 1297
Civil strife in Genoa between the Guelph and Ghibelline families resulted in many taking refuge in Monaco, among them the Guelph family. Son of Otto Canella, Consul of Genoa in 1133, Grimaldo began the House of Grimaldi, the future ruling family of Monaco.
In 1297, François Grimaldi (“Malizia”, translated from Italian as “The Cunning”) disguised as a Franciscan monk alongside his cousin Rainier I and his men captured the fortress atop the Rock of Monaco. History of Monaco (monacodc.org)
Artist: Alain Giampaoli
Release date: May 9, 2022
150th Anniversary of the Birth of Sergei Diaghilev
1 stamp
intaglio
Sergei Diaghilev took early 20th century Europe by storm with his modern dance company, the Ballet Russes. The company rapidly became known, not just for their ballet, but also for their sets and costumes and the impact of Diaghilev’s artistic vision can still be felt today in both the art and dance worlds. Sergei Diaghilev Overview and Analysis | TheArtStory
Designer: Georgy Chichkine
Engraver Pierre Albuisson
Release date: May 9, 2022
International Bouquet Competition
1 stamp
offset
Designer: Florence Gendre
Release date: May 23, 2022
Polar MISSION Exhibition at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
1 stamp
offset
Polar mission events – Institut océanographique (oceano.org)
Designer: © Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Release date: May 23, 2022
June
Federation of Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco
1 stamp on souvenir sheet
intaglio & offset
Artist: Alain Giampaol
Engraver: Line Filhon
Release date: June 3, 2022
Monaco International Feline Exhibition
1 stamp
offset
The exhibition takes place September 17 to 18, 2022
Designers: Marie-Christine Lemayeur and Bernard Alunni
Release date: June 14, 2022
SEPAC – Local Drinks
Monegasque beer – 1905 brewery
Designer/engraver: Elsa Catelin
Release date: June 14, 2022
Hives of the Roof of the Museum of Stamps & Coins
1 stamp
offset
Designers: Marie-Christine Lemayeur and Bernard Alunni
Release date: June 23, 2022
150th Anniversary of the Birth of Louis Blériot
1 stamp
intaglio
Designer/engraver: Pierre Albuisson
Release date: June 23, 2022
Albert I and Spitsbergen
1 stamp
intaglio
Designer/engraver: Martin Mörck
Release date: June 23, 2022
July
Christian Louboutin Exhibition – Grimaldi Forum Monaco
1 stamp, sheets of 10
offset
This stamp is issued in conjunction with opening of the exhibition July 9 to August 28, 2022.
In order to celebrate his work, the International Cultural Center of Monaco has decided to devote a new exhibition to him this summer. Designed by Olivier Gabet (Director of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs), the second part of Christian Louboutin, L’Exhibition[niste], promises an audacious perspective. The exhibition will feature a 2,000 m2 layout, a selection of exceptional pieces, the presentation of exclusive collaborations (notably with David Lynch), the creation of an immersive space, a tribute to the Ballets Russes, and themes on African and Asian art.
After Paris, the Christian Louboutin exhibition, L’Exhibition[niste], is heading to Monaco | Vogue France
Designer/artist: Jean-Vincent Simonet
Release date: July 1, 2022
40 Years of Presidency of H.S.H. Prince Albert II at the Monegasque Red Cross
1 stamp, sheets of 10
offset
Designer: Stefanie Van Zyl
Van Zyl specialises in portraits
Release date: July 11, 2022
Frescoes of the Princely Palace
1 stamp, sheets of 10
offset
The fresco portrays Odysseus at the gates of Hades.
Design: features portions of the Throne Room after conservation-restoration © Mr. Voyer Gadin / Princely Palace of Monaco
Release date: July 11, 2022
Exhibition – Albert I and Louis Tinayre
1 stamp, sheets of 10
offset
Exhibition runs from July 16 to September 11, 2022
Image: drawing by Coll. Musée océanographique de Monaco
Photographer: Geoffroy Moufflet – Archives du Palais / Graphic design Agnès Rousseaux
Release date: July 18, 2022
September
120 Years of the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology of Monaco
1 stamp
intaglio/offset
Designer/engraver: Sarah Lazarevic
Release date: September 6, 2022
Albert I and Madeira – Descents in “Carros de Cesto”
1 stamp
intaglio/offset
Designer/engraver: Yves Beaujard
Release date: September 6, 2022
The oceanographer friend – Albert I of Monaco and Portugal 1873-1920
1 stamp
intaglio/offset
Designer/engraver: Pierre Albuisson
Release date: September 19, 2022
Albert I and the Azores
1 stamp
offset
Designer/artist: Painting by Louis Tinayre © Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Release date: September 19, 2022
Centenary of the International Powerboat Union
1 stamp
intaglio/offset
Designer: André Lavergne
Release date: September 19, 2022
October
Films Shot in Monaco
4 stamps
offset
- Czekam w Monte Carlo I’m waiting in Monaco 1969, director Julian Dziedzina
- Charlie Chan in Monte Carlo 1937, director Eugene Forde
- Grand Prix 1966, director John Frankenheimer
- The Seven Thieves 1960, director Henry Hathaway
Designer: Monaco of Post Office with the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco
Release date: October 4, 2022
2022 FIFA World Cup
1 stamp
offset
Designer: Christophe Fort
Release date: October 17, 2022
500th Anniversary of the Birth of Honoré I (1522 – 1581)
1 stamp
intaglio
Born 1522, became Lord of Monaco at age of 9 months when his father was assassinated in 1523.
Designer/engraver: Louis Boursier
Release date: October 17, 2022
November
Christmas – Virgin and Child
1 stamp
offset & intaglio
Designer/engraver: Louis Genty
Genty is a newcomer to stamp design. He created his first stamp in 2021, Napoleon I, or Andorra (Fr).
Release date: November 3, 2022
10 Years of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation
1 stamp
offset
Photograph: Princess Charlene of Monaco
Foundation
Release date: November 24, 2022
Monaco Explorations mission in the western Indian Ocean
1 stamp
offset
Designer: Marie-Christine LEMAYEUR and Bernard ALUNNI
Release date: November 24, 2022
Joint Release Principality of Monaco and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands
2 stamps on souvenir sheet
offset
Designer: Thierry MORDANT
Release date: November 24, 2022
Tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
1 stamp on souvenir sheet
offset
Designer: Eric Mathon
Release date: November 24, 2022
MonacoPhil 2022
2 stamps on souvenir sheet
intaglio, offset
The annual philately event took place November 24 – 25, 2022
Designer: Martin MÖRCK
Release date: November 24, 2022
See last year’s stamps Monaco 2021 stamps | Bitter Grounds Magazine
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