«… that he would be remembered a bit more» – The Stamps of Eugen Verling

In 1924, the first stamp designed by a Liechtenstein person was issued. The design for the stamp motif «Winemaker in the Vineyard» was created by Eugen Verling (1891–1968).

Verling, who grew up in Vaduz, relocated to St. Gallen, Switzerland, to work as an embroidery graphic artist. The collapse of the St. Gallen embroidery industry during World War I forced him to abandon his profession and survive as a freelance artist and graphic designer during difficult times. Despite this, he remained closely connected to his hometown of Vaduz and frequently drew local old houses and countless flowers from the native flora.

For over 40 years, until shortly before his death, the artist also designed Liechtenstein stamps. However, not all of his 74 designs were realized. Especially in his later years, he faced disappointments in design competitions. Nevertheless, his unrealized stamp designs demonstrate the versatility of the artist. In addition to watercolor painting, Verling also employed linocut techniques.

In the spirit of the quote «… that he would be remembered a bit more,» from a letter to the editor in Liechtensteiner Vaterland on 4 January 1939, a special exhibition shines a spotlight on the Liechtenstein artist. It aims to commemorate Verling and his stamps, which paved the way a century ago for the next generation of Liechtenstein stamp designers.