Stamp Overview Issue Date: May 15, 1936 Occasion: 300 years (tercentenary) of Utrecht University’s founding in 1636 Design & Imagery: 6 c (red/dark carmine): Features Pallas Athene, the Roman goddess of wisdom, handicraft, and warfare 12½ c (blue/dark blue): Depicts Gisbertus (Gijsbert) Voetius (1588–1676), a distinguished theologian and professor at Utrecht University Shape & Format: Triangular stamps, each sized approximately 50 × 33 mm, perforation line 12½, printed in photogravure by Joh. Enschedé & Zonen, designed by Pyke (Pijke) Koch Print Run: 6 c (Pallas Athene): ~12,904,000 stamps 12½ c (Voetius): ~1,831,000 stamps Catalog Listings: Michel: 295 (6 c), 296 (12½ c) Scott: 204, 205 Yvert et Tellier: 286, 287 Stanley Gibbons: 460, 461 NVPH (Dutch catalog): 287, 288 Context & Symbolism The triangular design and the use of Pallas Athene emphasize the university’s commitment to wisdom and learning—rooted in classical symbolism rather than architectural representation. Gisbertus Voetius further personalizes the commemoration by highlighting an influential figure in the institution’s early academic history.
