CEF sheet François Arago stamp 1986 philately Famous Men

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This CEF philatelic sheet honors François Arago, a major scientific figure of the 19th century. On the visible side, a detailed portrait of François Arago is depicted, illustrated in black and white on a blue background, accompanied by yellow star motifs evoking the Cygnus constellation. The illustration bears the signature of René Quillivic, a renowned engraver and creator of the associated stamp.

In the upper right corner, the sheet features a postage stamp with the likeness of François Arago (face value 1.80 F), canceled with a "First Day" postmark dated February 22, 1986, in Estagel, the scientist's birthplace. The stamp reproduces the stylized portrait from the sheet, reinforcing the overall graphic coherence.

A detailed biographical text, printed on the right, retraces François Arago's journey, from his birth in Estagel in 1786 to his scientific and political contributions. Among the visible elements, we note the mention "Les Hommes Célèbres" (Famous Men), the reference to the École Polytechnique and his work on light and astronomy. In the lower left corner, the artist's indication appears: "Sheet illustrated by René QUILLIVIC, Grand Prix de Rome for engraving and creator of the issued stamp."

The sheet presents a meticulous layout, with a fine frame and elegant typography, typical of CEF (Covers Éditions Philatéliques françaises) emissions. The paper's smooth and satin-like surface reveals clear printing and well-contrasted colors.

On the left, the edge of the sheet is visible, with the mention "N° 880 of the CEF catalog" and the numbering "300", confirming its belonging to a limited or referenced series. The visible side shows no tears or major folds, but some traces of handling and slight surface marks may be present, typical of an object that has circulated.

Condition

Used item sold as is. Visible side in good overall condition, legible printing, stamp and postmark well preserved. Possible presence of slight handling marks not affecting the legibility or integrity of the sheet.

Did you know? François Arago was one of the first directors of the Paris Observatory and played a key role in the abolition of slavery in France in 1848, when he was Minister of the Navy and War under the Second Republic.

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Keywords: First Day sheet, CEF Les Hommes Célèbres, François Arago stamp, French philately, illustrated envelope, René Quillivic, FDC France, scientific biography, commemorative issue, stamp France, French FDC, philatelic cover