Issue date: 15 Jul, 2020
LEADING FIGURES IN HISTORY. BALDOMERO ESPARTERO.
A die-cut “H” is the symbol of the new series with which Correos aims to pay tribute to some of the leading figures in Spanish history.
The first of these is Baldomero Espartero, Spanish soldier, Prince of Vergara, Duke of la Victoria, Duke of Morella, Count of Luchana and Viscount of Banderas.
A close-up of the portrait painted by José Casado del Alisal and an image of the sculpture of the soldier on a horse, located at the joining of two Madrid streets, Alcalá and O’Donnell, in front of one of the gates leading to the iconic Retiro Park.
This statue was erected at the end of the 19th century in tribute to one of the greatest 19th century Spanish generals.
He was the regent while Queen Isabella II came of age, and he was known for his participation in the War of Independence against France and also as leader of the first Carlist War for Isabella II, among other things.
Thanks to his military achievements, he obtained titles and also prestige which led to an unstoppable social ascent, which he used for his progressive political ideals.
He did not agree with the conservatism of Queen María Cristina, whom he forced to abdicate by making the Cortes name him as regent, until enmity and disagreements due to his authoritarian style of governing led to him dissolving the Cortes.
He was exiled in London, returning some time later to reside in Logroño, but in 1854, after political upheaval, he was named president of the government during the period known as “progressive Biennium”.
He was once again removed from power by a former ally, Leopoldo O’Donnell and retired back in Logroño, where he remained passive during the revolution to dethrone Isabella II and where he refused to be named as constitutional King of Spain.
In one of his works, the Spanish historian Adrian Shubert said that despite Espartero being considered by many to be the “incarnation of peace and the constitutional government”, he had not even received the “modest distinction of recognition on a Correos stamp”. Today, Baldomero Espartero, has is stamp.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.