Dutch flag

Published in 1985 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Dutch flag’s existence, this design has a multifaceted symbolism. Firstly, it represents the flag of the Netherlands itself, denoting the nation. Beyond this, it serves as a symbol of unity and independence for the entire Kingdom of The Netherlands. This iconic red, white, and blue flag is employed on land and at sea, functioning as a civil flag, a state flag, and a battle flag.
The creative process behind this design began with the concept of a birthday bow, inspired by the traditional adornments children receive on their birthdays. However, this initial idea was deemed somewhat frivolous by Hein van Haaren from the Esthetic Design Department, who suggested a more serious approach.

Consequently, the second design drew inspiration from flags depicted in medieval and 17th to 18th-century paintings, particularly the vivid seascapes and naval battles portrayed by artists like the Van de Velde father and son. These paintings featured flags billowing exuberantly amid a grand spectacle of waves, wind, and expansive cloudy skies.

The project involved a competition organized by Hein van Haaren, the Director of PPT’s Esthetic Design Department, between the designer of this flag, and Otto Treuman, a respected designer known for his functionalist style. At that time, the design landscape was evolving, with young professionals like Gert Dumbar challenging the dominance of strict functionalism.

The winning design, which leaned towards a somewhat extravagant style with a prominently waving flag and ornate typography, was favored over Treuman’s approach. Notably, this design was one of the early examples of ‘doorlopers’ or ‘continual’ designs, where the design seamlessly extended horizontally across adjacent stamps.