CEF PIETA Sheet Villeneuve-lès-Avignon philately stamp 500F Louvre Paris

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated philatelic sheet presents a commemorative issue dedicated to the "PIETA DE VILLENEUVE-LÈS-AVIGNON," a famous work preserved at the Louvre Museum in Paris. On the left side is a French postage stamp, with a face value of 500F, reproducing a detail of the painting, accompanied by a First Day cancellation bearing the mention "PARIS" and the effigy of the religious subject. The whole is inserted into a transparent sleeve with a perforated side strip, typical of CEF (Cercle des Émetteurs Français) sheets, allowing for easy filing in a stamp album.

To the right of the sheet, a color reproduction of the original painting occupies a large portion, framed by a golden line. The work depicts the Pietà scene, with the Virgin Mary holding the body of Christ, surrounded by several figures with expressive attitudes, against a dark background. The dominant shades are brown, ochre, and touches of white and black, reflecting the characteristic palette of the medieval painting.

The lower part of the sheet features an explanatory printed text, detailing the history and artistic analysis of the Pietà of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. The text highlights the composition, symbolism, and emotional dimension of the work, while emphasizing the influence of Flemish painting on this 15th-century masterpiece. The characters are clear and legible, contributing to the educational aspect of the sheet.

On the filing strip to the left, you can see the inscription "CEF" as well as technical details regarding the limited edition of the issue (total print run: 33,500 copies), and the CEF catalog references ("No. 871 of the CEF catalog"). The individual sheet number, "4346," is printed at the bottom left, attesting to its authenticity in the series.

The set is presented in very satisfactory visual condition, with no apparent defects on the visible side. The colors of the print remain vibrant, and the protective sleeve ensures good preservation of the item. The overall appearance is that of a high-end philatelic sheet, intended for display in a collection or exhibition.

Condition

Used item, sold as is, as seen in the photograph. No major defects observed on the presented side; the protective sleeve is included.

Did you know? The Pietà of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, painted around 1455, is attributed to Enguerrand Quarton and is one of the masterpieces of medieval French painting. This work stands out for its sobriety, realism, and the emotional intensity of its characters, contrasting with the more theatrical Italian iconography of the same period.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, first day, French stamp, PIETA Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, Louvre Paris, limited edition, philately, French stamp, religious art, medieval painting, 500F cancellation, philatelic card, presentation in sleeve