Mar 09, 2023 - Sale 2629

Sale 2629 - Lot 54

Unsold
Estimate: $ 6,000 - $ 9,000

ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939)

JOB. 1898.


57 1/4x37 1/2 inches, 145 1/2x95 1/4 cm. Champenois, Paris.
Condition B+: replaced upper right corner; small losses, replaced losses and adhesive stains at edges; repaired tears at edges, one into bottom right image; creases, abrasions and repaired tears along unobtrusive folds; margins slightly trimmed.

Mucha's second poster for Job, done two years after the first, is one of his best advertising pieces. Here, Mucha provides the viewer with three levels of reading that constantly reinforce the brand. The woman sitting in a circle, her dark hair contrasting with her skin and pink dress, is eye-catching in and of herself, as is the big, bold lettering across the top. As viewers look more closely at the image, they discover that Mucha has also included the company name in the wallpaper behind the figure, that she is holding a package of the product, and finally, that her brooch also bears the Job logo. The image and design create a masterpiece of commercial art. Rennert / Weill 51, DFP-II 634, Modern Poster 9, Wine Spectator 74, Wember 610, Lendl p. 121, Weill 59, Maitres 1900 p. 18, Meisterplakate 164, Schardt p. 137, Triumph des Jugendstils 24, Mucha Grand Palais 76, Darmstadt 77, Mucha / Henderson 82, Mucha / Bridges A36, Jiri Mucha p. 180, Art Nouveau p. 112.