The Four Seasons have been depicted on stamps many times and many ways. That this aspect of nature has been presented on stamps in stunning, imaginative and sometimes provocative ways intrigues me. I’ve written about some of those visual approaches previously: “Three Views of Four Seasons (China, Germany, Liechtenstein”) and “The Four Seasons in Antarctica! (Ross Dependency)”.
On June 24, 2024 the Faroe Islands released four beautiful stamps in sheet format with lovely floral borders illustrated by artist Heiðrik á Heygum (above). The same motifs had been used the previous year by Posta (below), becoming the first Nordic postal service to issue NFT stamps (more about NFT stamps another time), but the QR codes somewhat obscured the illustrations.
Heiðrik á Heygum had this to say about his artwork: “The Faroese Post Office approached me with an intriguing task: to design stamps that capture the essence of our four distinct seasons. Eager to celebrate our unique cultural identity, I drew inspiration from the intricate floral embroidery found in our traditional Faroese outfits. Incorporating signature flowers and seasonal animals into the designs, I aimed to create stamps that truly reflect the spirit of the Faroe Islands.
“Opting for a black background was a deliberate choice, echoing the traditional Faroese national costume, often adorned with flowers against a dark backdrop. This decision not only pays homage to our heritage but also serves to accentuate the vibrant colors of the flowers, creating a visually striking composition that embodies the traditional Faroese aesthetic.
“Each season in the Faroe Islands is marked by the presence of specific animals, further enriching the symbolism of the stamps. Spring welcomes the birth of lambs and the return of our national bird, the oystercatcher. Summer sees the return of the Atlantic puffin and northern gannet to our shores. In autumn, sheep are slaughtered, and we hunt for the northern fulmar. Finally, winter brings the transformation of the Faroese hare’s fur to white and the tradition of rearing geese for Christmas.
“These seasonal nuances add depth and richness to the narrative depicted in the stamp designs, offering a profound connection to our island’s natural rhythms and traditions.”