Jan 26, 2017 - Sale 2435

Sale 2435 - Lot 53

Price Realized: $ 1,875
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 2,000 - $ 3,000
ADOLFO HOHENSTEIN (1854-1928) MONTE CARLO / TIR AUX PIGEONS. 1900.
49x35 inches, 124 1/2x89 cm. G. Ricordi & C., Milan.
Condition B+: repaired tear at top edge, slightly into image; restoration along tape stains at top and bottom; minor creases and abrasions in image and along horizontal folds. Framed. Unexamined out of frame.
At the turn of the century, Monaco was already considered to be the most elegant resort on the French Riviera, thanks in large part to the flair and dynamic presence of Mr. Blanc, the owner of the Casino and surrounding palaces. He understood the importance of advertising and commissioned the best artists of the day to help promote his properties. Mucha designed Monaco • Monte - Carlo in 1897, as well as stock posters for his theatres, and Jules-Alexandre Grün and Hohenstein designed posters, each depicting the stylish and exotic activities that were available to wealthy patrons. Hohenstein's first effort was in 1900, promoting motorboat races. He followed that with this image touting the pigeon shooting tournaments in the region. The work is atypical for a travel poster as it depicts a dandy with a shotgun against a soft background with few geographic features, an indistinct Art Nouveau flourish and a brightly-colored title. The unexpected depictions of the pigeons which have been shot and the spent cartridges add a dramatic touch to the image. Ricordi 167, Maitres 1900 p. 124, Manifesti Italiani p. 62, Schardt p. 127.