Issue: Germany Cats in the Attic by Gerhard Marcks Stamp
Type: Stamp
Number of Stamps: 1
Denominations: 60 Pfennig
Issue Date: 1989
Issued By: Germany Deutsche Post ( Deutschland )
Cats in the Attic A Striking Work of Art
This charming stamp features two cats placed within an attic setting. The artwork uses strong lines and detailed patterns to create an expressive scene. The animals appear among wooden beams and other elements of the interior. Gerhard Marcks created the original woodcut in 1921 during his time at the State Bauhaus in Weimar. His artistic style often combined simple forms with strong structure. This design gives the stamp a distinctive appearance while showing the creative character of his early graphic work.
Gerhard Marcks and His Artistic Legacy
Gerhard Marcks was a German sculptor and graphic artist whose work included sculpture drawings prints and woodcuts. Born in 1889 he became an important figure in modern German art. The 1989 postal issue celebrated his 100th birthday and brought one of his earlier graphic works to a much wider audience. The stamp design was prepared by Günter Jacki. Its limited color palette and detailed engraving-like appearance create a strong connection between traditional printmaking and postal art.
A Memorable German Art Stamp
Issued on 9 February 1989 with a value of 60 Pfennig this stamp became part of the Federal Republic of Germany’s commemorative issues for that year. Around 31.6 million copies were printed. The original artwork was created many decades before the postal issue yet its unusual composition remained visually effective in the modern era. For collectors this stamp brings together German art history postal design and the work of a major twentieth-century artist. It is also an attractive example of how postage stamps can preserve important pieces of cultural heritage.
