400 YEARS OF THE BIRTH OF MADAME DE SÉVIGNÉ  

Madame de Sévigné (1626-1696), born Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, was a French aristocrat famous for her extensive and witty correspondence. Widowed at a young age, she devoted herself to the education of her two children and to the social life of the Marais district. Her letters, particularly those addressed to her daughter, Madame de Grignan, offer a vivid portrait of 17^th century society. Some refer to Charlotte-Catherine de Gramont, Princess of Monaco and a friend of Madame de Grignan. Published after the Marquise de Sévigné's death, this collection of letters has become a major classic of French literature.

• Design and line-engraving: Pierre ALBUISSON
• Printing process: 6 colours steel-engraving
• Size of the stamp: 52 x 40,85 mm horizontal
• Quantity of issue: 36 000 stamps
• Sheet of 6 stamps with illuminations