?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. Circa 1898. Each approximately 13 1/2 inches in diameter, 34cm. Conditions vary, generally A. Matted and framed. From his very first poster for Gismonda (1894), Mucha's graphic work was marked by Byzantine influences and styles. 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 bursts through 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, almost floral designs, and Mucha pays extraordinary attention to the detail of the jewelry. Rennert/Weill 40.
![ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939). [BYZANTINE HEADS.] Two decorative panels. Circa 1898. Each approximately 13 inches in diameter, 34cm.](https://catalogue.swanngalleries.com/full//976\611976.jpg)
