Feb 29, 2024 - Sale 2660
/

Sale 2660 - Lot 19

Price Realized: $ 15,000
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 15,000 - $ 20,000

ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939)

[BYZANTINE HEADS]. Two decorative panels. 1897.

24x17½ inches, 61x44½ cm.
Condition varies, generally B+ / A-: minor creases, staining and small pin holes in margins; minor creases in image. Each matted and framed.

Mucha's graphic work was often marked by Byzantine influences and styles, beginning with his very first poster for Gismonda in 1894. In visually extolling the splendors of ancient Byzantium, Mucha relied on the use of gold and bronze colors, created sumptuous and intricate designs for the jewelry depicted in his images, employed mosaic or mosaic-style decorative elements in many of his works, and elevated his subjects to iconic status by using halos. Anointing these two profiles as "Têtes Byzantines" confirms his adherence to this impressive influence. These two decorative panels were among the most successful ever published by Champenois, and the printer issued them in many variations. Intended to hang facing each other, the blonde and brunette have cascading hair that interrupt the halos behind them, tantalizingly breaking through Mucha's trademark mystical circle. The precise yet delicate outlining of their faces is a tour-de-force of design, made even stronger by placing the profiles against a background of geometric flourishes.

Rennert / Weill 40 (var 1), Lendl p. 196 & 197 (var), Mucha Grand Palais 37 & 38 (var), Style Mucha 9 (var), Darmstadt 65 & 66 (var), Mucha / Henderson 35 & 36 (var), Mucha / Bridges P15a, Triumph des Jugendstils 67 & 68 (var), Spirit of Art Nouveau 48.
Set Alert for Similar Items