This year’s stamps to mark the end-of-year celebrations depict the special atmosphere of our Christmas markets, which are steeped in tradition. The British artist Ben Carter, who lives in Luxembourg, is well-known for his distinctive style, which combines clear, architectural imagery with atmospheric scenes. His designs for these stamps convey a discreet festive mood whilst remaining stylish and balanced.
The Luxembourg City motif depicts as its central element the Ferris wheel that has become the shining emblem of the ‘Winterlights’ market during the Advent period. In the background, the Gëlle Fra war memorial and the cathedral Notre-Dame rise as impressive symbols of the capital city in a wintery Christmas scene.
For Esch-sur-Alzette, Carter has placed the characteristic Christmas pyramid centre stage, as emblematic of the joy of the Advent season and tradition. Here again, one of the city’s familiar buildings, the city hall, is depicted in a festive manner, highlighting the special charm of the weeks in the runup to Christmas.
The two stamps thus combine recognisable local landmarks depicted in an artistically elegant manner that is characteristic of Carter’s style – full of details, atmospheric and, at the same time, restrained. Each stamp sends a little bit of Luxembourg’s Christmas spirit out into the world.