Description
Alphonse Mucha
(Czech, 1860-1939)
Sarah Bernhardt “Gismonda”, 1895 Original Lithograph
IMPRIMERIES LEMERCIER, PARIS
Paris, France
color lithograph
signed “Mucha” within the plate (lower left)
87 x 29.25 inches Sheet
89.5 x 30.25 Frame
This lithograph will be accompanied with a COA by Avantiques.
This lithograph was created in 1895 to announce production of the play “Gismonda,” which starred the French actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923). Facing problems with a previous artist, the Théâtre de la Renaissance needed a new artist to create a poster and Mucha agreed to do the job, although he had never designed a poster before. Sarah Bernhardt was impressed with the poster design and signed Alphonse Mucha to a six-year contract and he eventually designed many more items for her. Much went on to develop what is now known as the Art Nouveau rich art movement.
Alphonse Mucha’s first and perhaps most famous poster, this iconic “Gismonda” lithograph would launch both the artist’s career and his very lucrative relationship with the famed actress Sarah Bernhardt, who is pictured here. The stunning image, executed in exacting, graphic linear detail and richly saturated tones of gold and blue, features Bernhardt, dressed lushly in elaborate robes against a backdrop of Byzantine faux-mosaic, in her eponymous role as Gismonda in the Greek melodrama of the same name.
Condition: B. Good overall condition with slight overall toning, touch-ups, and minimal foxing commensurate of age and use. Displays beautifully in custom wood frame under glass.
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