ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939) [PARFUMERIE GELLÉ FRÈRES / SYLVANIS ESSENCE.] 1899.
24 1/8x9 1/8 inches, 61 3/8x23 1/4 cm. [F. Champenois, Paris.]
Condition A-: light mat staining around edges; minor loss in upper left corner. Matted and framed.
"The poster shows one of Mucha's fragile beauties against a background of a natural scene in full bloom. A sample of the product is shown at lower left, with a decorative label that may well have been also designed by Mucha . . . The concept of the layout can be compared with the two Moët & Chandon posters" (Rennert / Weill p. 255). "Strangely, even Mucha's signature and the printer's credit are missing here [they both appear on the version with text. See next lot]" (ibid, p. 256). This is the version before text. rare. We have found no other copies at auction. Rennert / Weill 69 (var 1), Mucha Grand Palais A. 41 (var), Darmstadt P41 (var).