First day cover Marianne stamps France Delacroix Paris philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This philatelic envelope, shown in the photo, is a "first day" cover, illustrated with a color reproduction of Eugène Delacroix's work "Liberty Leading the People," exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The visible side presents a meticulous composition, with a large illustration in the upper left and a series of four French Marianne stamps in different colors (pink, green, blue, brown).

The stamps all feature the emblematic profile of Marianne, the French republican figure, and are cancelled with a "Premier Jour" (First Day) postmark dated January 4, 1982, Paris. The cancellation is clear and circular, centered on the stamps. The visible face values are 0.15, 0.20, 0.50, and 1.00 franc. The envelope is protected in a transparent plastic sleeve, ensuring good preservation of the surface and colors.

In the upper right, the inscription "Eugène Delacroix" and the mention "Nicole Décors Exclusif S.A.R.L." are clearly visible, adding an official and commemorative aspect to this philatelic issue. The mention "Musée du Louvre Paris – Photo Lauros Giraudon Paris" also appears on the front, confirming the illustration's provenance.

This type of first day cover (FDC) is prized for the quality of its stamps, the clarity of its postmark, and the richness of its artistic illustration. The ensemble presents a neat visual appearance, with no apparent defects on the visible side. The envelope is flat, the colors are vibrant, and the printing remains precise despite the plastic protection which creates some reflections in the photo.

The graphic composition, with the juxtaposition of a major work of art and Marianne stamps, makes it an emblematic philatelic object of early 1980s France. The item is typical of commemorative issues combining art and philately.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The envelope shown is protected by a plastic sleeve. The stamps, illustration, and inscriptions are well-preserved on the visible side. No snags, folds, or tears are observable on the part shown.

Did you know? The Marianne stamp, used here in several denominations, has symbolized the French Republic since the late 19th century. The version illustrated on this first day cover corresponds to the "Marianne de Béquet," issued from 1977, famous for its modern design and widespread distribution throughout France.

AFW Reassurance

Fast and careful shipping, professional packaging adapted for philately. Professional seller specializing in correspondence items and stamps from France.

Keywords: first day cover, FDC Marianne, France stamps, Delacroix, Liberty Leading the People, Premier Jour postmark, French philately, Marianne de Béquet, first day cover, Paris 1982, philatelic cancellation, Louvre Museum