ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939) [FEMME À LA MARGUERITE.] Satin panel. Circa 1898.
20 3/4x39 3/4 inches, 52 3/4x78 cm.
Condition A-: creases and minor staining in image. Framed. Unexamined out of frame.
It is uncertain if these pieces, printed on fabric, were intended as decorative panels or textile samples for furniture or interior decoration. We can ascertain their date from examples accessioned by various prominent European museums, such as the Museum of Stuttgart, who acquired their sample in 1898. In 1899, a British firm, Forrer, offered the designs as covers for small pillows. When that firm's archive was later auctioned, two small watercolor designs for the images were discovered. At least two variations exist, each depicting a different woman amidst similar swirls of flowers, varying occasionally in color and fabric including satin, velour, velvet and velveteen. This is the red, satin version. rare. We have found only three copies at auction since 1985. Lendl p. 221 (var), Rennert / Weill A11-1 (var), Mucha Grand Palais 69 (var), Darmstadt 106, Mucha / Bridges 39 (var).