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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
interrupt 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 patterns. Rennert / Weill 40 (var
1), Lendl p. 196 & 197 (var), Mucha Grand Palais 37 & 38 (var), Style Mucha 9 (var), Darmstadt 65
& 66 (var), Mucha / Henderson 35 & 36 (var), Mucha / Bridges P15a, Triumph des Jugendstils 67
& 68 (var), Spirit of Art Nouveau 48.
[15,000/20,000]