Features an evocative scene titled "Approche d'Orage" ("Approach of a Storm"), depicting the sea and clouds, an artistic representation that might symbolize the tumultuous times of WWI or simply offer a moment of natural beauty amidst the conflict.
Marked with "Union Postale universelle Carte postale", indicating its use within the Universal Postal Union system, followed by multilingual designations for postcard in several languages: "Cartolina postale - Levelezo lap - Postecard - Postkarte - Brifkart - Tarjeta Postal", reflecting the international nature of mail during this era.
Message: A warm, personal note, "Versailles 20 Janvier 1916 Affecueuse poignée de mains" ("Versailles, January 20, 1916, Affectionate handshake").
Recipient: "Monsieur J. Pouprier 2 rue Tiraqueau Fontenay le comte (Vendée)", showing the card was sent to J. Pouprier in Fontenay-le-Comte, Vendée.
Postmark: "L'officier d'administration", indicating it was possibly sent by or through an administrative officer, suggesting the sender's role in the military or civil service.
Universal Postal Union: This card's multilingual back highlights the international postal cooperation that persisted even during wartime, ensuring communication across borders despite the conflict.
Art in Wartime: The choice of an image like "Approche d'Orage" could be seen as a metaphor for the war or simply an attempt to maintain a sense of normalcy or beauty in correspondence, reflecting the human desire for peace or tranquility.
The message conveys warmth and human connection, vital for maintaining morale both at the front and at home, where every piece of mail was a precious link.
The involvement of an administrative officer in sending this card could indicate a blend of official duties with personal communication, showing how intertwined life and war were.
Condition: Given its age and historical journey, the envelope exhibits signs of wear such as fading, creases, or minor tears. The condition reflects its passage through wartime postal systems.
Historical Significance: A valuable item for collectors of WWI memorabilia, postal history, or those interested in the cultural aspects of wartime communication. It's a snapshot of how art and personal messages were used to convey emotions across the battle lines. Provides insights into the postal systems of WWI, the Universal Postal Union's role during conflicts, and the personal narratives of those living through the war.
Note: This WWI postal card is not just a piece of mail; it's a bridge between the chaos of war and the human need for connection, beauty, and hope. It encapsulates a moment of personal outreach amidst a global storm.
