Born in 1886, Karl Bickel was a Swiss painter, an illustrator, and a designer whose specialty was copper-engraved postage stamps. More than 100 of his works were created for his biggest customer, the Swiss Post, including the first air stamp issued in 1923. His work reached a domestic as well as an international audience, with more than 11 billion copies of his stamp designs in circulation. The mastery of his art is shown through the various portraits, landscapes, and images of innovations he created for his homeland.

An artwork with his signature was given to the UPU by the Swiss authorities in 1924 for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Union. The comprehensive copper etching reproduced in black ink presents the UPU’s monument in Berne, created by French sculptor René de Saint-Marceaux and erected in 1909.

Bickel’s very first collection consisted of a set of ten air stamps and was issued by Switzerland in 1923.

There is much more information available on this artist with some web searches.

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This painting is both signed and titled on the back. K. Bickel & "Garmisch - Höllental - Riffl Karköpfe Zugspitze"

The Höllental, English translation "Hell Valley" or "Valley of Hell" is one of the routes on the German side leading up the Zugspitze on the German-Austrian border in the northern Alps. It is located in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

It's in very good original condition. Knicks and chips to the frame can be touched up or reframed. The upper right sky has a few ripples and a couple of spots of paint that have flaked off with age. View the photos for the best representation of the item.

Very rare artwork of a well-known, important and accomplished artist. An opportunity to own a beautiful piece of history.

Dimensions: 22.5" h x 18.5" w x 1.5" d