Description
Alphonse Mucha (Czechoslovakian, 1860-1939)
La Dame aux Camelias, 1896
Lithograph in colors on paper
Printed by F. Champenois, Paris.
Measures: Height 80.5 inches
Width 29 inches
(204.5 x 73.7 cm) (sight)
Framed dimensions 88 X 36.5 inches.
Condition: Very good antique condition. Linen backed. Adherent fading, horizontal folding creases through the centre, minor surface soil, wear commensurate of age and use. Frame and plexiglass with wear commensurate of age and use. Presents very well. For sale; we present an original antique advertising poster for La Dame aux Camelias play based on an 1848, novel by Alexander Dumas (1824-1895), in Paris at the Theatre de la Renaissance, starring the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) in the title role of Camille. Stunning Art Nouveau design featuring an elegant Camille wearing a flowing dress with a flower in her hair standing in front of shining silver stars with a hand holding a flower stem in front of her and stylised text and decorative borders above and below by the notable painter and decorative artist Alphonse Mucha (Alfons Maria Mucha; 1860-1939). Bernhardt loved Mucha’s iconic portrayal of her so much that she commissioned him to produce all the posters, stage and costume designs for six more of her productions from Gismonde in 1895 to Hamlet 1899; this one was her favourite design, which she used again for her American tours in 1905-1906 and 1910-1911.