Vintage postcard Arras ruins WWI 1914-1918 10c stamp

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Visual Description

This old postcard shows a black and white view of the ruins of Arras, taken during the First World War. The image shows a devastated portion of the Petite Place, with damaged buildings and visible debris in the foreground. On the left, the facades of the houses have collapsed roofs, broken windows, and wooden support structures, typical of the destruction of the Great War. A massive arch pillar occupies the right side of the card, framing the devastated urban scene. The visual atmosphere is marked by a pronounced contrast between shadows and light areas, reinforcing the historical and dramatic character of the document.

In the upper left, a printed inscription specifies: "957. Ruines d'ARRAS. Un coin de la Petite Place - A part of the little Place". This bilingual caption confirms the authenticity of the scene and its dating in the context of the 14-18 war. The red 10-centime stamp of the French Republic, canceled, is visible in the upper right corner; it provides a period postal element, strengthening the documentary and historical value of the card.

The card features a monochrome print typical of early 20th-century editions. No major defects are visible on the front presented, apart from a slight antique patina and a discreet wear on the upper left corner. The visual highlights the contrast between the traditional Arras architecture and the chaos of the rubble, emphasizing the impact of the conflict on urban heritage.

The framing, with the arch in the foreground, adds depth to the composition and testifies to careful photographic execution. Architectural details, such as the arches, small-paned windows, and hip roofs, are clearly visible despite the ruined state. No handwritten text or annotation is discernible on the visible side.

This postcard, with its period postage and strong iconography, constitutes a direct visual testimony of the First World War in Arras, an emblematic city on the northern front of France.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Visible front in good overall condition for its age, perceptible wear on the upper left corner, homogeneous antique patina, original canceled stamp.

Did you know? The city of Arras was one of the main battlefields during the First World War. Its historic center, particularly the Petite Place, was largely destroyed by the bombardments of 1914-1918. After the war, reconstruction respected the Flemish architectural style, preserving the city's visual identity despite the massive destruction.

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