Poster Auctions Internationals (PAI) first sale of the year, on March 26, finished at $1,841,160. The sale evidenced the continued passion for collecting vintage posters, especially rare and seldom seen lithographs. We are once again humbled by the enthusiasm displayed by our clients at auction. Despite the recent banking insecurity felt around the world, poster lovers were eager to bid on their favorite lots and grow their collections, stated Jack Rennert, president of PAI. Alphonse Mucha was a major draw for collectors. His 1902 The Stars decorative panels were the top lot of the sale, with a winning bid of $114,000 (est. $70,000-$90,000). Several works by the Belle poque master hit new record numbers, including his 1896 Zodiac, which achieved $28,800 (est. $17,000-$20,000); the 1897 La Trappistine, $31,200 (est. $20,000-$25,000); the 1896 Lorenzaccio, $19,200 (est. $12,000-$15,000); his 1908 Leslie Carter, $20,400 (est. $8,000-$10,000); and his 1912 Sixth Sokol Festival received a top bid of $72,000 (est. $25,000-$30,000). Two original works were highly sought after: his 1900 Printemps: Pocket Watch design well surpassed its estimate of $30,000-$40,000 for a win of $78,000, and an original drawing of his friend Paul Gauguin was secured for $31,200 (est. $15,000-$20,000). All prices quoted include the buyers premium. Bids were similarly enthused for works by Leonetto Cappiello, the father of modern advertising. Further auction records were broken with his 1902 Pur Champagne / Damery-Epernay, which was won for $5,760 (est. $3,000-$4,000); the 1903 Absinthe Gempp Pernod was secured for $26,400 (est. $14,000-$17,000); and the ebullient 1920 Mistinguett / Casino de Paris realized $20,400 (est. $17,000-$20,000). Two impressive six-sheet billboards also captivated collectors: his 1923 Royat sold for $12,000 (est. $10,000-$12,000), and his 1924 Alcool de Menthe Ricqls went for $15,600 (est. $12,000-$15,000). Fans of Art Deco had plenty of top posters to bid on. Geo Hams Monaco Grand Prix 1933 was sold for $20,400 (est. $17,000-$20,000), and his Monaco / 22 Avril 1935 was won for $19,200 (est. $17,000-$20,000). Paul Colins esteemed 1929 portfolio, Le Tumulte Noir, was swept up for $36,000. From Charles Loupot, a 1929 maquette for Caf Precia wowed bidders, selling for $18,000 (est. $8,000-$10,000). One War and Propaganda image stood out from the rest at this sale: the anonymous 1917 Vote for Woman Suffrage incited passionate bidding, leading to a $7,200 sale (est. $2,000-$2,500). Another design to receive unexpected adoration was Hipolito Hidalgo de Caviedes 1925 San Sebastian, which swiftly surpassed its estimate of $1,700-$2,000 for a total of $5,280. For further information, email info@posterauctions.com or visit www.posterauctions.com.