CEF Palais Idéal Facteur Cheval philately illustrated stamp postmark sheet

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This CEF philatelic sheet highlights the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval, an emblematic monument in Drôme, France. On the visible side, the central illustration combines a portrait of Facteur Cheval, rendered in mauve and black, with a detailed representation of his famous palace in the background, in a precise graphic style. The inscription "Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval" is distinguishable in artistic lettering, accompanied by an explanatory text about the monument and its creator.

In the upper right, an illustrated postage stamp, associated with a commemorative postmark "Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval Hauterives," is affixed to the sheet. The stamp features a view of the palace, consistent with the overall graphic design of the sheet. The composition highlights the architectural details of the palace and the portrait of the postman, reinforcing the link between philately and historical heritage.

On the left, the numbering "1184" is visible, likely indicating a limited edition. Several technical mentions are printed in black along the margin, notably "N°731 du catalogue CEF" and a reference to Pierre Albuisson, the stamp's designer-engraver. The sheet features a thin golden border, emphasizing the refined appearance of the whole.

The surface of the sheet appears smooth, with a satin finish. The printing of texts and illustrations is crisp, with no visible defects. No folds, stains, or tears are observable on the exposed side. The explanatory text in the lower right details the genesis of the palace and Ferdinand Cheval's approach, enhancing the documentary interest of the item.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The presented side is in very good visual condition, with no apparent defects. Inscriptions and illustrations are perfectly legible.

Did you know? The Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval, built between 1879 and 1912 in Hauterives, is considered a masterpiece of naive architecture. Ferdinand Cheval, a simple rural postman, built this monument alone from stones collected during his rounds, inspiring many artists and intellectuals of the 20th century.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, Palais Idéal, Facteur Cheval, France stamp, Hauterives, commemorative postmark, philately, French stamp sheet, architectural stone, postal monument, numbered edition, Pierre Albuisson