Philatelic Souvenir Sheet CEF Europa 1986 Genet animal illustration

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated philatelic sheet, published by CEF, is dedicated to the Europa 1986 series on the theme of "nature protection". The visible side features a meticulous composition including a large central illustration of a genet, created by Pierre Lambert, artist and miniaturist, in a richly colored natural setting: green foliage, ocher rocks, and a wooded background. The image is framed by a black and gray geometric frieze, typical of the style of prestige sheets from the 1980s.

To the right of the illustration, two postage stamps are affixed, each franked and canceled, with "Europa 1986 Paris" and "Council of Europe Strasbourg" postmarks. The stamps highlight the common genet (Genetta genetta) and a lesser horseshoe bat (a type of bat), with their respective face values (2.20 and 3.20 F). The stamps are accompanied by their first-day postmarks, reinforcing the philatelic dimension of the sheet.

The lower part of the sheet contains detailed explanatory text, printed in black on a white background, presenting the characteristics and history of the two illustrated species: the genet and the lesser horseshoe bat. The text, in French, is perfectly legible and highlights naturalistic information as well as the context of this philatelic issue.

On the left margin, the publisher's mentions "CEF" as well as technical information on the sheet's manufacturing are visible. The whole is presented on a cardboard support with a smooth surface, typical of commemorative sheets issued in France in the 1980s.

The overall condition visible in the photo is good: no creases or stains are apparent on the illustrated side, the colors are vibrant, and the prints are clear. Only the front side and the left edge are visible; no details are observable on the back or the other sides.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The image shows a clean sheet, with no visible defects on the front.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping by a professional seller specializing in philately and postal collectibles.

Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, Europa 1986, genet, wild animals, first-day stamp, cancellation, naturalistic illustration, philatelic sheet, nature protection, Council of Europe, France stamp, Strasbourg postmark