L O C A L A R T I S T S
"Les lavandières" by Hervé Masson
(The scene shows ladies washing clothes in a river)
Hervé Masson was born on 17 January 1919 at Curepipe. He left Mauritius in 1949 for France where he had a brilliant career as an artist. He also contributed in the local press by writing articles. He returned to Mauritius in 1970 and went back to France in 1973. His last painting exhibition had obtained a great success. Back in France, he continued to exhibit his paintings. His works of art are found important in France, Netherlands, Germany, USA, Canada and Mexico.
"Le casino" by Gaëtan de Rosnay
(The roulette in the foreground symbolises gaming in a casino)
Born in 1914 at Villebague, Pamplemousses. Gaëtan de Rosnay studied in France and started his career as an artist. He obtained several prizes for his paintings, among others, the Prix Drouant-David in 1951, Prix Robert Antral in 1952 and "Le Prix de la Société Nationale des Beaux Arts" in 1957. He also exhibited some of his paintings in Mauritius from 1958 to 1964.
Some renowned musuems in France like Valence, Rambouillet and Versailles own some of his paintings. He died in 1990 at the age of 76.
"Les quatre élémetnts" by Andrée Poilly
(The four elements of nature, Earth, Fire, Air and Water, are combined to reflect unity in diversity)
Born on 13 February 1905 at Becherel, Andrée Poilly started her career as a teacher. In 1949, she participated in an exhibition held by the British Council and one of her paintings was chosen for the participation in the Art Festival of Great Britain. She left Mauritius to emigrate in England, where she continued to exhibit her paintings. She also made several exhibitions in Canada. She died on 23 December 1990 in Quebec.
"Sortie de Messe" by Xavier Le Juge de Segrais
(A scene which evokes calm and peace)
Born on 16 August 1871 at Mont Goût, Pamplemousses Xavier Le Juge de Segrais was interested in Art since his early childhood. He enrolled at the Beaux Arts, Paris. Due to financial difficulties, he had to return to Mauritius without completing his studies. He was employed as an art teacher.
His paintings were exhibited locally and in Reunion island and had always attracted favourable comments form art critics. He died in February 1954 and left quite a number of his paintings.
LE RÉDUIT
The official residence of the President of the Republic, has a very long history which goes back to the beginning of our colonial days.
This is a reproduction of a watercolour of Le Réduit by the painter Pierre Armand François Thuillier dated 1814. Mr. Thuillier had been a teacher of fine arts at the Lycée Coloniale now Royal College from 1796 to 1845.
CHILDREN'S PAINTINGS - LEISURE
Water Colour painting by Désiré (16 years)
The stamp features football, skipping and handball. The portrayal of a girl skipping clearly indicates the type of games preferred by girls.
Water Colour painting by Stephanie (17 years)
The stamp shows some of the water sports practised in Mauritius. The sea is a favourite resort among students to spend their leisure time.