ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939) JOB. Enamel sign. After 1897.
18 1/2x12 7/8 inches, 47x32 3/4 cm. B. Sirven, Toulouse.
Condition A / A-: minor flaking at edges; slight area of overpainting in image and in bottom margin. Framed. Unexamined out of frame.
This enamel sign stands as evidence of the widespread influence and appeal of Mucha's art. Using the image from the first of his posters for Job, the advertisers include text in French, Arabic and Greek, clearly aimed at the Middle Eastern market. This enamel sign appeared in the famous exhibition of Mucha's works at the Grand Palais in Paris in 1980. Its provenance was listed as coming from the Job family through Alain Lesieutre, the famous Art Nouveau dealer. This is the only other known copy of this work, if not the same one. It is so rare that most subsequent references miss the fact that it is an enamel sign; this is the first time it has been pictured within its white frame, which is part of the enamel sign itself. Rennert / Weill 15 (var 4), Mucha Grand Palais 30, Spirit of Art Nouveau p. 57.