PAIs 81st Rare Posters Auction Earns $1.3 Million
Belle Epoque Icons Mucha And Toulouse-Lautrec Prevail
August 28, 2020
Poster Auctions Internationals (PAI) second sale of the year, held July 21, finished at $1.3 million in gross sales. Auction LXXXI proved an ongoing passion for original posters in todays market. This auction was anything but typical. Were in the midst of a global pandemic, and this was also our first auction in 35 years to not feature our traditional and highly regarded printed catalogue. Despite this, we received a strong showing of support, which both surprised us and gratified us. We were also pleased with the ongoing response to Art Nouveau works, which have proven to captivate both new and seasoned collectors, said Jack Rennert, president of PAI. The great mythologizer of Montmartre, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec maintained his appeal to bidders. His 1894 Eldorado / Aristide Bruant, originally denigrated by the venues management, went for $78,000. All prices include premiums. Similarly, his triumphant 1896 La Chane Simpson, at auction for the first time in nine years, soared to a record-breaking $72,000. Another design for the famed cabaret star, Aristide Bruant Dans Son Cabaret, from 1893, claimed $43,200. The zest for Art Nouveau works continued with Alphonse Mucha, whose ornate designs remain a staple for collectors. Two sets of his revered decorative panels for the four seasons claimed top sales: the 1896 set of The Seasons was won for $43,200, and a rare variant with the imprint of L. Brancher, from 1900, reached $45,600. His Mot & Chandon, from 1899, was claimed for $31,200. His radiant 1896 Job, estimated at $15,000-$20,000, soared to new heights, realizing $29,520. Concurrent with Art Nouveau, Spanish Modernisme heralded the revival of Catalan art and culture. One of the eras masters, Alejandro de Riquer, spurred impressive bids. His 1900 The Four Seasons, estimated at $7,000-$9,000, garnered $12,000. The 1896 Ayuniamiento de Barcelona exceeded its estimate of $3,000-$4,000 for a total of $9,600. Back in France, another top work of the era, Auguste Roubilles ca. 1909 Spratts Patent Ltd. was won for $10,800. For the Art Deco era, Leonetto Cappiello retained his throne. The ebullient ca. 1907 Cognac Gautier Frres achieved its highest sale to date, selling for $9,600. The wonderfully exaggerative Lane Borgosesia, from 1927, reached a winning bid of $5,040. The standout lot, however, was his dynamic design from 1928 for Porto Pitters, which has not been available at auction in 30 years. Collectors clamored for the opportunity; estimated at $8,000-$10,000, it topped out at $21,600. Charles Loupot also maintained his dominance in the field of Art Deco. His energetic 1925 Huile Raoul Citron, last offered in 1995, was claimed for $16,800. And a full-scale maquette, recovered from the artists studio, a 1947 preliminary design for St. Raphal, garnered $43,200. Poster Auctions International is located at 26 W. 17th St., New York, N.Y. To reach them by phone, call 212-787-400 or email info@posterauctions.com.
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