CEF Booklet St Michel de Cuxa Abbey cancelled philately Pyrenees

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated philatelic sheet highlights the Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales. The visible side features an elegant composition, typical of CEF editions, with a postage stamp on the left depicting the abbey tower, accompanied by an illustrated postmark "Abbaye de Saint-Michel de Cuxa 66 Codalet". On the right, an artistic reproduction of the tower, against a red-orange background, completes the architectural enhancement of this Romanesque monument.

The sheet, surrounded by a black border, has a meticulous layout: the upper part displays the title "Abbaye de St Michel de Cuxa" in Gothic typography. At the bottom right, a note indicates the participation of Jacques Gauthier, engraver and Grand Prix de Rome winner, in the artistic creation of the stamp and the illustration of the sheet.

A long explanatory text occupies the lower part, tracing the history of the abbey and its preservation. The text is printed in black on a white background, with excellent legibility. The historical information evokes the importance of this monastic site, its restoration, and the role of personalities in its preservation. The sheet thus highlights French architectural heritage through philately.

The overall presentation is clean, with no visible defects in the photographed area. No snags, folds, or stains are observed on the front. The number "4992" appears at the bottom left, probably as a serial or lot number, adding a touch of authenticity to this philatelic item.

This sheet is preserved in a transparent plastic sleeve, typical of CEF editions, with the mention "Les Éditions CEF – Le Réseau Commercial de France et d’Outre-Mer" visible on the left side edge.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The front is in very good visual condition, with no apparent defects in the photographed area. Presented in a protective sleeve.

Did you know? The Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa is one of the oldest Romanesque monasteries in France, founded in the 9th century. Part of its sculptures were exported to the United States in the early 20th century and integrated into the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York, in the Cloisters department.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, Saint-Michel de Cuxa, Pyrenees abbey, cancelled stamp, CEF edition, Codalet, philately document, first day cover, FDC, France stamp, French cover, Romanesque abbey, philately France