France CEF Jean Delpech Puppets illustrated philatelic sheet, cancelled

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated philatelic sheet is a CEF issue dedicated to the theme of puppets, featuring an original work by Jean Delpech. The left part presents a colorful illustration depicting a puppet theater scene, signed by the artist, with stylized botanical decor and several characters with expressive faces, typical of the puppet show world. The scene is framed by graphic elements evoking the structure of a traditional puppet booth.

On the right part of the sheet, a printed text details the history and culture of puppets, accompanied by a canceled French stamp (1.80 F stamp) and a "Marionnettes – Charleville-Mézières" first-day postmark. The cancellation highlights the sheet's theme, reinforced by the illustration and the elegant graphic composition characteristic of CEF editions.

The sheet features a gilded frame and a meticulous layout, typical of high-end philatelic editions. At the bottom left, there is a mention of the limited edition and the serial number "13043", as well as information relating to the CEF edition, confirming its authenticity and provenance.

The calligraphy is clear and the text perfectly legible. The visual adds a refined artistic touch, with vibrant colors (red, green, pink, yellow) and stylized graphic motifs that catch the eye. The whole is presented on a cardboard support, rectangular format, intended for display in a collection or a philatelic album.

The sheet is numbered and bears the mention "N° 850 du catalogue CEF," specifying its official reference in the CEF series. The illustration by Jean Delpech, a renowned artist and creator of the issued stamp, gives this document an additional artistic and heritage dimension.

Condition

Used item sold as is. The visible side appears in good overall condition, with no major visible defects in the photo. The printing, illustration, and inscriptions are well-preserved.

Did you know? Jean Delpech (1916-1988) was a renowned French engraver and illustrator, winner of the Grand Prix de Rome and professor at the École Polytechnique. He created many stamps for La Poste and distinguished himself with his unique graphic style, blending tradition and modernity in philatelic art.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, first day, Jean Delpech, canceled stamp, France, puppets, Charleville postmark, FDC, illustrated issue, philately France, decorative stamped sheet