CEF Paul Delvaux stamp sheet limited edition 5345 First Day stamp

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This CEF philatelic sheet is dedicated to Paul Delvaux, a major figure in Belgian Surrealism, and highlights a French First Day issue. The sheet features a 5.00 franc stamp depicting a detail from Delvaux's painting "Le Rendez-vous d'Éphèse," accompanied by a color illustration of the same motif. The entire piece is presented on a cardboard support, protected by a perforated plastic sleeve, characteristic of CEF sheets intended for thematic philately.

On the left side, the CEF catalog reference (No. 1108) is mentioned, along with information about the Société d’Etudes Philatéliques et Numismatiques and the CEF Philatelic Club. The sheet is numbered at the bottom left, with the number 5345, indicating a limited edition. The area dedicated to the stamp also includes a round "Premier Jour" (First Day) postmark from Paris, dated March 20, 1993, with the inscription "Paul Delvaux."

The central part is dominated by the name "PAUL DELVAUX" in capital letters, followed by an explanatory text about the artist's work and artistic approach. The entire text and illustration are printed on a matte finish sheet, in a horizontal rectangular format, typical of CEF productions intended for collectors of stamps and philatelic documents.

The stamp, in black and white with a face value of 5.00 francs, bears the inscriptions "LA POSTE 1993" and "PAUL DELVAUX – BELGIQUE." The main illustration features a woman in front of a mirror, a recurring motif in Delvaux's work, with a dreamlike atmosphere and a soft color palette. The overall visual is enhanced by the sobriety of the graphics and the printing quality typical of CEF sheets.

The left edge of the sheet has standard perforations for binder filing, as well as the inscription "Tirage limité" (Limited edition) and the individual number. No information is visible on the back or inside of the sheet, as shown in the photo.

Condition

Used item in good overall condition, presented in its original plastic sleeve. Some handling marks or slight imperfections may be present on the sleeve, without affecting the sheet itself. Sold as is.

Did you know? Paul Delvaux (1897-1994) is one of the great names of European Surrealism. His collaboration with La Poste Française through this 1993 First Day stamp highlights the influence of his pictorial universe on philately. CEF sheets are particularly appreciated for their illustration quality and detailed documentation on the artists they honor.

AFW Reassurance

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Keywords: First Day Sheet, Paul Delvaux stamp, CEF philately, limited edition 5345, FDC France, philatelic document, Belgian surrealism stamp, French art stamp, artist sheet, Paul Delvaux stamp, French FDC, commemorative sheet