Souvenir sheet CEF Ligier Richier The Entombment of Saint-Mihiel

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This official philatelic sheet features a meticulous layout based on the theme "Ligier Richier - The Sepulchre of Saint-Mihiel." On the left, the mention CEF (Connaissance et Étude de la Philatélie – Knowledge and Study of Philately) is clearly visible, attesting to a specialized issue in French philately. The sheet is protected in a plastic sleeve, visible in the image, with typical side perforations for binder storage.

The main side of the sheet is structured around a detailed explanatory text about the work of Ligier Richier, a Renaissance sculptor, and more specifically about the famous sculpted group of the Sepulchre of Saint-Mihiel. The text is printed in black on a white background, using a sober and legible font, adding a documentary touch to the whole.

To the right of the text, a sepia-toned photograph of the sepulchre occupies a central position. The image shows the sculpted scene in Saint-Étienne Church, with a composition of several figures arranged around Christ, under a Gothic vault characterized by three openwork archways. This reproduction highlights the expressive details and depth of the original work.

At the bottom right of the sheet, an illustrated stamp is visible, accompanied by a first day cover (special cancellation) bearing the inscription "Ligier Richier Le Sépulcre de St Mihiel" and the issue date. The stamp features the motif of the sepulchre, with a face value of 5.00 F and the inscription "République Française". The circular postmark highlights a stylized portrait of the sculptor and the inscription "15 OCT. 1988", confirming the philatelic issue date.

The sheet bears on its left edge a printed reference "N° 3026 du catalogue CEF" and the mention of the France Philatélie commercial network, attesting to its official origin. The numbering "7147" appears at the bottom left of the support, likely related to the series or limited edition.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The visible side shows good overall preservation, with a slight stain visible at the top right of the text. The corners and edges appear clean, with no apparent tears on the visible area. The plastic support shows some normal signs of wear.

Did you know? Ligier Richier (c. 1500-1567) is one of the greatest Lorraine sculptors of the Renaissance. His Sepulchre of Saint-Mihiel, created around 1554, is a masterpiece of sculptural realism, bringing together thirteen life-size figures in a composition striking in its expressiveness and theatricality. The work is now preserved in the Saint-Étienne Church in Saint-Mihiel, in the Meuse department.

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Keywords: first day cover, CEF philately, Ligier Richier, Sepulchre Saint-Mihiel, cancelled stamp, France Philatélie, limited edition, FDC France, philatelic document, religious art, Renaissance sculpture, French stamp, philatelic cover