159 / 242
ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939)
145
●
[LE CARILLON DE PAQUES / EASTER BELLS.] 1896.
16x11
7
/
8
inches, 40
1
/
2
x30
1
/
4
cm.
Condition A: unevenly trimmed at edges; minor smudges in margins; tipped to mat at top edge. Paper. Matted
and framed.
A charming piece that was used for the cover of the magazine
La Soleil du Dimanche
. An early piece
for Mucha, this is more Symbolist in style, lacking the decorative arabesques for which he became so
well-known. The image was instantly popular, and publishers vied for the privileged opportunity to
produce it as a collector’s print.
La Plume
announced on April 15, 1896, that it would be issuing the
print, but it turned out that it was Arnould, a competitor, who finally got the project. In his catalogue
from June, 1896, he offers the print from a run of only 46, for sale at 10 francs each. This copy is not
numbered. Rennert / Weill 8, Mucha Grand Palais 14, Darmstadt 35, Lendl p. 131.
[800/1,200]
ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939)
146
●
[LE CARILLON DE PAQUES / EASTER BELLS.] Preparatory pencil sketch. Circa 1896.
11
1
/
2
x9
1
/
2
inches, 29
1
/
4
x24 cm.
Condition B+: horizontal folds and creases in image; light, uneven toning overall; tipped to mount. Framed.
The original watercolor that Mucha drew for this print was purchased contemporarily by Henri Piazza -
one of the more prominent members of the poster world and an ardent fan of Mucha’s art. He was also
the publisher for Robert de Flers’ masterful book
Ilsée
(see lot 188). This unreferenced preparatory
sketch gives insight into how Mucha worked, step by step, like the Old Masters.
[700/1,000]
145
146