Stamp - Pasquale Paoli (1725-1807)

Pascal Paoli (1725-1807): Tercentenary of his birth. A man of the Enlightenment, Pascal Paoli left his mark on the history of Corsica and 18th-century Europe. Son of General Hyacinthe Paoli, Pascal was introduced to politics and the struggle for independence at an early age. At the age of 14, he followed his father into exile in Naples, where he acquired a solid intellectual training under the influence of illuminismo. In 1755, he returned to the island and was appointed Capo Generale della Nazione at the Casabianca consulta. He built a modern Corsican state, based on the constitution of 1755, which asserted the right of peoples to self-determination. His influence and reforming spirit attracted the attention of the intellectuals of the time, and the island became a political laboratory for the Enlightenment. But his struggle for independence came up against outside powers, including France. In 1769, after the battle of Ponte Novu, Paoli went into exile in England. Recognized as a hero by the French Revolution, he returned to Corsica in 1790 and was elected President of the General Council. Relations with the new French government deteriorated, and Paoli was impeached by the Convention. In 1794, the Anglo-Corsican Kingdom was created. Corsica had its own institutions and recognized the King of England as its king. Removed from power, Paoli was once again forced into exile in England, where he spent his final years, respected and honored as a hero of freedom. In 1796, the English left Corsica for good, making way for France. Pascal Paoli is remembered as U Babbu di a Patria , a visionary statesman whose ideas of freedom and independence continue to inspire generations. Stamp: reprise of Sir Thomas Lawrence's portrait, for which Pascal Paoli posed during his lifetime. This painter was the most important portraitist of the English Regency and the reign of George IV. Leaf outline: Moorish head - Corsicans regard the Moorish head on their flag with a certain pride. Adopted in 1755 by Pascal Paoli as the emblem of Corsica.

Timbre-poste (taille-douce) : Création et gravure Pierre Bara d'après "portrait de Pascal Paoli", Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830), Huile sur toile, Londres 1797 (c) Collectivité de Corse – Musée Maison natale de Pascal Paoli. Bords de feuilles : Création Pierre Bara : Médaillon central d'après "Copie du drapeau de l'indépendance Corse", Bastia, 1983. Tête de Maure d'après "Portrait de Pascal Paoli, en buste, Vinkeles Reiner (1741 - 1816), Amsterdam 1769 (c) Collectivité de Corse – Musée Maison natale de Pascal Paoli.