New Belgian issues

Sport

On 17 May 1999 a new series of stamps commemorating sports has been issued. The stamps are designed by Claude Viseur.
17+ 4 Fr Speed Race
17 + 4 Fr Trial
30 + 7 Fr Motor-cross (issued in a block)
The stamps picture two forms of motorcycling. Off all Belgian sports associations, the Belgian Motorcycling Association probably has most world champions among it's members. Motor-cross is a form of racing in which the competitors race over a rough track that is dotted with obstacles. Speed races are held on tracks that are especially laid out for that purpose. In a trial speed is secondary, what matters is the competitor's aglity.
The surtax goes to the support of promotion of sport. It will be divided in consultation with the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee.
Size: 38.15 x 48.75 mm.
Perforation: 11.5.
Print: Photogravure.

Joined issue with Israel

Myriam Voz and Thierry Martin designed a 17 Fr stamp picturing a James Ensor painting. The painting "Ma Chambre préférée" was one of Ensor's favourite paintings and is exhibited in the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
Size: 48.75x38.15 mm.
Perforation: 11.5.
Print: Photogravure.

Tourism and Folklore

On 5 June 1999 two stamps of 17 Fr are issued on the theme Tourism and Folklore. These stamps were designed by Jacques Doppee.
17 Fr Geraardsbergen
17 Fr Mons
Since the 16th century three giants led the "Geraardsbergse Ommegang" with a lot of showing off. This event heralds the yearly fair in the city of Geraardsbergen.
The Confrérie de la Miséricorde in Mons celebrates in 1999 its 300th anniversary. Initially meant to support the people sentenced to death, the Confrérie nowadays provides prisoners and their families with some help.
Size: 27.66 x 38.4 mm, 38.4 x 27.66 mm.
Perforation: 11.5.
Print: Photogravure.

Belgian chocolate

Belgium is famous for its chocolate. The stamps are issued on 5 June 1999 are designed by Tom Schamp.
17 Fr Cultivation of cocoa
17 Fr Production of chocolate
17 Fr End product
Size: 38.4 x 27.66 mm.
Perforation: 11.5.
Print: Photogravure.

Anniversary royal couple's wedding

By issuing this special postage stamp La Poste wants to congratulate King Albert and Queen Paola on the anniversary of their marriage.
17 Fr Royal couple
The designers Myriam Voz and Thierry Martin made a combination of a recent photograph of the couple and a photograph dating from 1959.
Size: 48.75 x 38.15 mm.
Perforation: 11.5.
Print: Photogravure.

James Ensor

The painter James Ensor died fifty years ago in Ostend, where he had lived and worked all his life. He was one of the most original Belgian artists of the nineteenth century.
17 Fr Woman eating oysters
30 Fr Triumph of death
32 Fr Old lady with masks
Size: 38.15 x 48.75 mm.
Perforation: 11.5.
Print: Photogravure.
Design: Myriam Voz and Thierry Martin.

More information

Stamps of Belgium
Postage Stamps 1999
Art in Belgium
Queen Astrid