This pair of semi-postal stamps from France, issued in 1941, commemorates two notable 15th-century French cultural figures. The 2f+1f stamp honors François Villon (1431–1489), the rebellious poet known for his poignant verses and turbulent life. The 3f+1f stamp features Jean Fouquet (1415–1480), a celebrated painter who helped bridge Gothic and Renaissance styles in French art. Both stamps carry a surtax (+1f) to support wartime relief, making them not just philatelic pieces but also contributions to history. The designs are rich in engraving detail, marked by the work of artists Gandon and Piel.