2024Around the World - Stamp Booklet

On November 12, 2024, La Poste is issuing a booklet of twelve postage stamps illustrated with objects and works of art on the theme of the terrestrial globe over the centuries.

Since Antiquity, scientists have imagined the sphericity of the Earth. But it was during the Renaissance, marked by maritime expeditions of global scope, that proof was provided. Named Erdapfel, the oldest globe ever found was made in 1492, shortly before the discovery of America, which it therefore does not represent. It is the work of the German cosmographer Martin Behaim. In the 17th and 18th centuries, globes entered princely courts, giving rise to unique ornamental objects, true technical and artistic feats. Among them, the two globes made by the Venetian cosmographer Vincenzo Coronelli in glory of the "Sun King". Unmatched in the world by their gigantic dimensions, they have fascinated since their creation in 1683. Since then, terrestrial globes of all sizes, for educational or scientific purposes, have been created and distributed in society, thus continuing to make young and old dream.