Stamp sheet Man of Tautavel CEF illustration skull animals

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Illustrated philatelic sheet issued by the CEF, dedicated to "The Tautavel Man". On the visible side, this sheet features a graphic composition centered on a large fossil skull surrounded by stylized flames. In the background, representations of prehistoric animals, notably elephants and rhinoceroses, evoke the environment of the era. The illustration is signed by the artist Marie-Noëlle Goffin, as indicated at the bottom of the sheet.

In the upper left corner is a 3.40 franc stamp, illustrated with a stylized human silhouette against a sunset background, with the first day cancellation "Homme de Tautavel 1971-1996". Next to it, a round postmark features the profile of the famous fossil and the mention "Homme de Tautavel".

The sheet is bordered by a black line, offering a simple and elegant presentation. The lower part contains an explanatory text detailing the discovery of the prehistoric site of Tautavel, the archaeological context, and the main finds, in a clear and legible layout. The limited edition number "5598" is also printed in the lower left.

The visible surface of the sheet is clean, without wear or noticeable defects. The colors of the drawing are well preserved: shades of beige, gray, red, and black dominate the scene, with a strong contrast effect around the central skull.

On the left edge, the sheet is accompanied by its CEF descriptive sheet (Catalogue des Éditions Philatéliques Françaises), attesting to its authenticity and editorial provenance.

Condition

Used item sold as is. No major visible defects on the presented side. The corners and edges appear sharp in the photo, with no apparent signs of wear.

Did you know? The Tautavel site, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales, is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe. The discovery, in 1971, of the skull of the Tautavel Man (Homo erectus tautavelensis) allowed for a better understanding of human presence in Europe more than 450,000 years ago. Excavations have revealed numerous tools, animal remains, and bone fragments, making Tautavel a key location for the study of prehistory.

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Keywords: philatelic sheet, CEF, The Tautavel Man, first day stamp, prehistoric illustration, fossil skull, prehistoric animals, limited edition, FDC, Marie-Noëlle Goffin, philately France, prehistoric stamp