First Day Cover 1966 Georges de La Tour Rennes Philately FDC

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Illustrated First Day Cover (FDC) dedicated to the artist Georges de La Tour, dated June 25, 1966. The item features a white front adorned with a large color illustration depicting a scene painted by Georges de La Tour, identifiable by his characteristic Baroque style. The image is printed in the upper left of the envelope, with a black caption indicating the artist. On the right side are two stamps: the main one, reproducing the central illustration, and a second stamp with a similar motif, both canceled with a circular postmark. The postmark clearly reads: "LE NOUVEAU NÉ - PREMIER JOUR - 25 JUIN 1966 - 35 RENNES" around a stylized figure. A small handwritten mark "20F" is visible in the lower right, under the protective plastic sleeve.

The envelope is protected by a transparent plastic sleeve, which preserves the integrity of the colors and protects against dust or moisture. The visible side shows no cosmetic defects, creases, or significant alterations on the illustrated or stamped area. The edges and corners appear crisp and well-preserved. The visual print is sharp, the colors are well saturated, ranging from brown and ocher tones to the dark hues typical of La Tour. The inscriptions "PREMIER JOUR D’ÉMISSION" (First Day of Issue) and the artist's name are perfectly legible. A secondary red stamp, "Premier Jour" (First Day), also appears in the lower left.

This type of philatelic item, known as a First Day Cover (FDC), is highly sought after for its print quality and historical interest. It is a commemorative envelope specific to philately, combining artistic illustration, a coordinated stamp, and an official First Day postmark, here linked to an event in Rennes in 1966. The rectangular format, neat presentation, and artistic theme make it a prime item for philately enthusiasts or those interested in French postal history.

The visible side has no handwritten annotations, postal address, or sender/recipient information, confirming the purely commemorative nature of this First Day Cover. The whole is distinguished by the quality of its presentation, the clarity of the postmark, and the fidelity of the artistic reproduction. The details of the postmark and stamp attest to the care taken with this specific edition.

The protective sleeve appears to be original or suitable for the preservation of the item. The overall appearance is clean, with no visible stains or apparent yellowing on the photographed area. The envelope is flat and its colors are well preserved.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The visible side shows no major defects, creases, or alterations. Presented in a transparent plastic sleeve.

Did you know? First Day Covers (FDCs) are issued on the official release of a new stamp and are postmarked on the same day with a specific postmark. Georges de La Tour, a 17th-century Lorraine painter, is famous for his nocturnal scenes and use of chiaroscuro, which makes his works particularly suitable for philatelic illustration.

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Keywords: First Day Cover