Philatelic sheet CEF Château de Montségur cancelled engraved illustration

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This philatelic sheet, published by the CEF (Connaissance et Étude de la Philatélie Française), features the Château de Montségur, an emblematic monument of Occitan medieval history. On the left side, a colored engraved illustration, signed by Claude Durrens (1st Grand Prix de Rome for engraving), depicts the ruins of the castle on its rocky outcrop, under a cloudy sky with bluish-gray hues. The drawing accurately renders the texture of the stones and the atmosphere of the site, accentuating the dramatic character of the place.

On the right, a text printed in black typography details the history of the Château de Montségur, written in a refined style. At the top right is the title "Château de Montségur" in a Gothic font. The sheet also features a specific postage stamp, illustrated by the same artist, franked with a legible round cancellation "CHATEAU DE MONTSEGUR 09 LAVELANET", dated September 6, 1975. The stamp is positioned in the upper part of the illustration, with a commemorative vignette associated with the Cathar site.

On the left side, the following mentions are visible: "N° 737 du catalogue CEF", "Modèle Déposé" (Registered Design), as well as information about the publisher and printing. The individual sheet number "972" is printed at the bottom left, attesting to a limited edition.

The presentation of this sheet is typical of French commemorative philatelic productions, with a neat layout, golden border, and explanatory texts. No major defects or signs of wear are visible on the presented side.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Visible side in good general condition, with no signs of damage or apparent folds.

Did you know? The Château de Montségur is a major site in Cathar history. In 1244, it was the scene of a tragic siege that marked the end of Cathar resistance against the crusade led by the Church. This place has become a strong symbol of Occitan identity and medieval memory in the south of France.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, Château de Montségur, commemorative stamp, engraved illustration, Catharism, special cancellation, philatelic card, Montségur stamp, French FDC, medieval history, limited edition, philately France