Continuing the series of postage stamp issues dedicated to Romanian architectural values by approaching a theme popular among collectors – Romanian Athenaeum, a construction where famous sounds resounded, Romfilatelia introduces into circulation the anniversary postage stamp issue Romanian Athenaeum – 125 Years since the Inauguration.
The construction, symbol of Bucharest, impresses by the harmonious arrangement of the decorative elements: the façade as a Greek temple with its eight Ionic columns having proportions to the columns of the Erechteion temple on the Acropolis, while the interior, luxurious and elegant, distinguishes through the four spiral stairways made of Carrara marble, as well as through the decorative sculptures manufactured by Italian and German artists, and by other rich ornaments.
All around the large dome of the edifice can be seen, carved on the ceiling, the names of several important Romanians: Miron Costin, Gheorghe Sincai, Dimitrie Cantemir, Heliade Radulescu, Timotei Cipariu.
The façade of the building displays mosaic medalions portraying Alexander cel Bun, Neagoe Basarab, Vasile Lupu, Matei Basarab and King Carol I, while the garden in front of the Athenaeum, bordered by trees, with flowers and turf lawns, hosts the statue of Mihai Eminescu, the Morning Star of Romanian Poetry, a work of the sculptor Gheorghe Anghel.
On 1st of March 1898, the notes of the Romanian Poem could be first heard conducted by young George Enescu. Many high class events followed, to which worldwide famous composers, conductors and performers attended: Arthur Rubinstein, Yehudi Menuhin, Maurice Ravel, Pablo Casals, Sviatoslav Richter.
The postage stamp with the face value of lei 5.00 illustrates the interior of the Romanian Athenaeum, while the stamp with the face value of lei 9.10 depicts the exterior of this important cultural institution.
A set of 2 maxicards complete the issue, presenting details of the Romanian Athenaeum’s building, both on the interior and the exterior.
