Description
Alphonse Mucha (Czech, 1860-1939) Lorenzaccio Theatre De La Renaissance.
Printed: 1896
Printed By: F. Champenois, Paris
Signed in plate; Mucha,
F. Champenois, Paris
Lithograph paper (2 sheets)
Rennert / Weill 20, DFP-II 618, Maitres 144.
Dimensions (H, W, D): 79.75″h, 29.5″w;
Framed: 82.25″h, 32″
Provenance: Astrid Schenk, L’Arlequin Antiques, New York, acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s Private Collection, Bedford, New York. This is one of several period posters in this auction acquired from Schenk’s gallery; per the consignor, all first printings.
Beginning in the mid-1890s, French actress and theatre director Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) commissioned Alphonse Mucha to design several posters to promote her appearances in the two Paris theatres that she owned and operated. Two of the best known, ‘Lorenzaccio’ and ‘Hamlet’, depict Bernhardt in the powerful male leading roles for which she achieved acclaim in the later decades of her career.
Condition: Good/average, (B-, C+) undulation and creasing throughout, staining primarily in margins, Toning throughout. Foxing mostly on margins. not examined outside frame.
Price reflects condition. A much better condition poster would retail for over $20,000-$30,000 US
