Swann Auction Galleries will offer Vintage Posters, with nearly 600 lots in a wide range of collecting sub-categories, including ski, travel, ocean liner, propaganda and war posters, early American theatrical, Art Nouveau and more.
Among the Art Nouveau posters are multiple works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec including “Aristide Bruant dans son Cabaret” 1893, depicting performer and nightclub owner Aristide Bruant in his signature black cape and red scarf (est. $60,000 to $90,000). Other works by Toulouse-Lautrec include “Caudieux” 1893 (est. $30,000 to $40,000) and “Reine de Joie” 1893 (est. $20,000 to $30,000). Works by Art Nouveau master Alphonse Mucha include his 1896 advertisement for JOB cigarette rolling papers (est. $20,000 to $30,000), and “La Dame aux Camelias” 1896, featuring Sarah Bernhardt in Alexandre Dumas's masterpiece (est. $15,000 to $20,000).
Ski and winter resort posters tout the crisp snow and groomed runs of chic destinations. Wilhelm Friedrich Burger's “Pontresina” 1914 (est. $7,000 to $10,000); and “Winter: Sport / Heiden” (est. $4,000 to $6,000) are both rare examples of his work. Pierre Fix-Masseau's “Bon Voyage / Bonne Neige” 1938 shows stylish skiers on their way to the slopes (est. $3,000 to $4,000); while Alex Walter Diggleman's “Chateau d'Oex” 1933 depicts a downhill skier at full speed (est. $3,000 to $4,000).
Ocean liner images boast luxurious travel on mammoth ships such as Willem Frederick Ten Broek's “Holland - America Line” 1936 (est. $4,000 to $6,000); and Edward Wright's “Cunard Line / Liverpool - New York - Boston” 1905 is estimated at $3,000 to $4,000.
Propaganda and war posters include an example of James Montgomery Flagg's iconic “I Want You For U.S. Army” 1917 featuring Uncle Sam (est. $8,000 to $12,000). William Dodge Stevens's “Teamwork Builds Ships” circa 1918, encourages participation in the war effort (est. $3,000 to $4,000); while a set of four Norman Rockwell posters “The Four Freedoms” 1943, remind citizens of the freedoms being defended (est. $2,000 to $3,000.
Early American theatrical posters give collectors a peek into the past, highlighting a range of stars and plays. The dramatic image of Edwin F. Mayo as "Davy Crockett," by an unknown designer circa 1887 shows Mayo in character astride a racing horse (est. $1,500 to $2,000); while an 1890 poster by an unknown designer for “Uncle's Darling” depicts an epic chase (est. $1,000 to $1,500). Other items featuring performers and performances include several posters for French star Mistinguett, such as Charles Gesmar's 1925 example showing a made-up Mistinguett ensconced in feathers and jewelry (est. $2,000 to $3,000), as well as Zig's 1930 poster “Casino de Paris / Josephine Baker” with the famous beauty being presented with a bouquet of flowers by a charming leopard (est. $3,000 to $4,000).
The two-part auction will be held Thursday, Feb. 11, beginning at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
For further information, contact director Nicholas D. Lowry at posters@swanngalleries.com, or call 212-254-4710 ext. 57, or visit www.swanngalleries.com.