Poster Auctions Internationals (PAI) second sale of the year, held July 20, finished at $1.9 million in sales. Rare Posters Auction LXXXIV demonstrated a continued passion for the masters of the poster, namely, Alphonse Mucha. This auction, collectors proved the enduring charm of Art Nouveau masters, and particularly that of Alphonse Mucha, whose Belle poque works have a timeless appeal for seasoned and new collectors alike. Theres no question that Mucha was the star of this sale. But the strength of Art Nouveau works did not diminish the enthusiasm for Art Deco designs, as witnessed by our strong sales of works by Broders, Cassandre, and Loupot. As always, early designs for the circus continue to excite poster lovers, as evidenced by Pals billboard for Lord John Sanger, said Jack Rennert, president of PAI. Indeed, collectors clamored for works from the master of Belle poque beauty, Alphonse Mucha. His lush and evocative designs encouraged fierce bidding and record-breaking sales. His ethereal 1902 series of four decorative panels, The Stars, was the auctions top lot, at $120,000 (est. $60,000-$70,000). His first-ever poster, Gismonda / Thtre de la Renaissance, from 1894, beat all previous results, selling for $50,400 (est. $20,000-$25,000). And his luminous Cycles Perfecta, from 1902, realized $40,800 (est. $25,000-$30,000). Even a Lefvre-Utile tin bucket designed by Mucha caused passionate bidding, earning $9,000 (est. $1,700-$2,000). All prices quoted include a buyers premium. Another master of the Art Nouveau era, Toulouse-Lautrecs works sold reliably well. His top sale was for the 1892 limited-edition print, La Goulue et sa Sur, which sold for $78,000. His serpentine 1899 Jane Avril brought $72,000; the 1892 Reine de Joie was won for $66,000; his 1896 The Ault & Wiborg Co. / Au Concert went for $60,000. Other gems of the Art Nouveau era delighted collectors. Ferdinand Lunels celestial Rouxel & Dubois bicycle poster, from ca. 1894, was sold for $6,600. The never-before-seen, ca. 1900, Terrot / Bicyclettes de Tourisme, by Francisco Tamagno, was swept up for $2,880. A rare, ca. 1898, circus billboard by Pal, Lord John Sanger / Troupeau dlphants, surpassed its estimate of $7,000-$9,000 to bring $12,000. For Thophile-Alexandre Steinlen, two of his most famous designs continued to make poster lovers swoon. His 1896 Chat Noir / Prochainement sold for $26,400; his charming 1894 Lait pur Strilis warmed collectors hearts, bringing $18,000. There were also several notable wins for works from the Art Deco period. Roger Broders wanderlust-inducing travel designs were highly desired. His ca. 1930 Monte-Carlo sold for $13,200; the colorful, ca. 1930 Corne dOr was won for $5,280; the 1928 Agay inspired $6,600; his beachy 1930 Antibes was claimed for $8,400; and his famous 1929 Dunkerque sailed away for $16,800. Of course, Leonetto Cappiello held sway over collectors. His charmingly exaggerated 1906 Zeste was carried away for $10,200. A rare two-sheet format of his famous 1903 Chocolat Klaus, without text, was won for $20,400. Two original maquettes sold favorably: his Picon Chaud was won for $10,800, and his Vin de France sold for $19,200. Notable Jazz Age sales include Jean-Gabriel Domergues 1937 LHiver Monte-Carlo, which sold for $11,400. Charles Loupots iconic 1938 St. Raphal was secured for $43,200, and an original 1929 maquette for the paint brand Valentin earned a winning bid of $21,600. Ren Vincents romantic, ca. 1925, La Voisin sold for $4,320; Arthur C. Michaels stately 1935 Harrogate was swept up for $11,400; and Fritz C. Rumpfs ca. 1914 Shnlein Rheingold realized $5,280. Poster Auctions Internationals next Rare Posters Auction will be held in New York City on Sunday, Nov. 14. Poster Auctions International is located at 26 W. 17th St., New York, N.Y. For additional information, call 212-787-4000, or email info@posterauctions.com.