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ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939)
87
●
LANCE PARFUM “RODO.” 1896.
17
3
/
8
x12
3
/
8
inches, 44x31
1
/
2
cm. F. Champenois, Paris.
Condition A-: minor creases and mat staining in margins; light staining in margins and image; tape on
verso; hinged to mat at top edge. Paper. Matted and framed.
This charming and graceful poster was designed early in Mucha’s career, and yet already exhibits the
heart and soul of his design system, which would become so prevalent and refined in the following
years. Mucha incorporates the whole image, including the text, into a sophisticated graphic frame, and
uses a halo behind his angelic figures against a mosaic background. What differentiates this piece from
Mucha’s subsequent masterpieces is the intricate precision of the rendering of the women’s chemise,
which all but disappears in Mucha’s later works - replaced by flowing diaphanous gowns - and her hair,
which bears only a scant resemblance to the cascading “exquisite arabesque of luxuriant hair, which
became the artist’s trademark” (Rennert / Weill p. 82). Mucha also designed the packaging for this
perfume. Rennert / Weill 14 (var 2), Lendl p. 113, Brno 11, Mucha Grand Palais A. 21, Mucha /
Henderson 55, Art Nouveau p. 114, Spirit of Art Nouveau p. 59.
[5,000/7,500]