CEF sheet André Masson The Pythia stamp 1984 philately FDC cancellation

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This philatelic souvenir sheet, published by the CEF, honors André Masson and his work "La Pythie". It is an illustrated, rectangular sheet featuring a detailed biographical text about the artist on the left, accompanied by a quote and an artistic reproduction evoking a stylized portrait of André Masson against an organic motif background. The layout is meticulous, typical of CEF editions, with a predominant use of white, beige, and sepia tones in the main illustration.

On the lower right part of the sheet is a postage stamp dedicated to André Masson, accompanied by a "First Day" cancellation (FDC) dated October 20, 1984, in Paris. The postmark bears the inscription "ANDRÉ MASSON – LA PYTHIE," with a black illustration and the stamp's face value of 5.00F. The stamp features a dark and colorful artistic composition, faithful to Masson's graphic universe, and the signature of the stamp's engraver or designer, Odette Baillais, is also visible.

The sheet is pre-perforated on the left, which is characteristic of CEF sheets, facilitating their storage in specialized philatelic binders. The reference "N° 765 du catalogue CEF" is printed on the lateral band, as well as the individual number "7238" at the bottom left, indicating a limited and numbered edition. The entire piece is printed on matte finish cardstock, suitable for philatelic preservation.

The perfectly legible biographical text traces André Masson's career, his connections with surrealism, his collaborations, and his influence on contemporary art, notably citing his relationships with André Breton and his contribution to the journal "La Révolution surréaliste." The sheet also mentions Masson's beloved automatic drawing technique, as well as his official recognition with the attribution of the ceiling of the Odéon in Paris.

The presentation of this sheet adheres to CEF standards: horizontal format, quality printing, explanatory text, artistic reproduction, First Day stamp, and commemorative postmark. No major defects are visible on the presented side; the overall condition appears clean and well-maintained, with no visible folds, stains, or tears.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The visible side appears clean, with no apparent defects. The whole is consistent with philatelic use, ready to be inserted into a binder or displayed.

Did you know? The CEF (Cercle des Émissions Philatéliques Françaises) has been publishing illustrated First Day Covers (FDCs) since the 1950s, often produced in limited, numbered editions. These sheets are sought after for their rich documentation and print quality, highlighting major artists, events, or cultural themes.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping are guaranteed by a professional seller. We ensure careful handling to preserve the integrity of the item.

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