CEF sheet Francis Bacon first day stamp contemporary art philately

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This CEF philatelic sheet honors the artist Francis Bacon. On the visible side, there is a French postage stamp of 5.00 francs, illustrated with a dark and expressive portrait, accompanied by the "3 JUIN 1996 PARIS" first day cancellation. Next to the stamp is an enlarged reproduction of the work, in Bacon's characteristic style, with blurred outlines and a palette of brown, black, and flesh tones, conveying the emotional intensity typical of the artist. The whole is framed by a golden border, adding an elegant touch to the presentation.

The sheet features careful printing on white cardstock. The name "FRANCIS BACON" appears in silver capital letters at the top of the sheet, giving it a sober and contemporary look. Below, a printed text details Bacon's artistic approach, emphasizing the themes of violence, anguish, and the ambivalence of human passions, central themes in his work.

On the left, the stamp is accompanied by a facsimile signature and official mentions, while on the right, the main image depicts a scene painted by Bacon, identified as "Study for a Portrait of John Edwards." The presentation is typical of commemorative sheets published by the CEF (Connaissance et Étude de la Philatélie), with a clear layout and an explanatory text in French.

In the margin, there are perforations and technical information specific to CEF sheets, including the mention of the limited edition and the individual number "5085" visible at the bottom left. The protective plastic sleeve, stamped CEF, is also partially visible in the photo, testifying to the care taken in preserving this philatelic document.

The sheet has a smooth surface, with no apparent defects, well-preserved colors, and sharp prints. No creases, stains, or signs of wear are visible on the presented side. This type of sheet is particularly sought after for its artistic and philatelic interest, combining a stamp, first-day cover, and artwork on a single medium.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side is in very good condition, with no notable defects.

Did you know? Francis Bacon, a British painter born in 1909, is renowned for his striking and expressive portraits, often marked by distortion and emotional intensity. CEF first-day sheets are published in limited editions and accompany the official release of certain stamps, offering philatelists a carefully presented and documented medium.

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