Poster Auctions Internationals (PAI) third sale of the year, on Nov. 14, finished at $2,638,320. Rare Posters Auction LXXXV was a world record auction with many lots surpassing their previously realized prices. If there was any doubt about the posters vitality, this auction surely proved its lasting and increasing cultural and artistic value. Despite the economic impacts of the last two years, our sales continue to increase at an amazing pace. Collectors bid passionately, allowing us to break a number of world records for important artists including Alphonse Mucha, Leonetto Cappiello, and Walter Schnackenberg. Of course, much of this sales success can be attributed to the strength and rarity of the consignments we received, said Jack Rennert, president of PAI. As with previous auctions this year, Alphonse Mucha continued to be the star of the show. Works by the Belle poque master of beauty soared to new heights in this sale, and record-shattering prices include the following: the 1911 Moravian Teachers Choir (Peveck Sdruzen Ucitelu Moravskych), which was won for $43,200 against an estimate of $7,000-$9,000; the 1898 Reverie, printed on silk, selling for $48,000 (est. $20,000-$25,000); his 1901 decorative panels, Ivy & Laurel, for $43,200 (est. $17,000-$20,000); and the 1897 Nestles Food for Infants, which sold for $43,200 (est. $10,000-$12,000). Also, a rare, hand-signed proof of his 1896 Salon des Cent / XXme Exposition garnered $43,200 (est. $30,000-$40,000). All prices quoted include the buyers premium. The great Montmartre mythologizer, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, saw continued interest in his work. The top sale from this auction was his 1899 Jane Avril, which was won for $108,000. Confetti from 1899 sold for $43,200; his 1893 Aristide Bruant Dans Son Cabaret went for $50,400; and the 1894 La Loge au Mascaron Dor for $45,600. Further Art Nouveau works also spurred tremendous interest. A never-before-seen design by Pal, The Lions / Nouveau Cirque, from ca. 1894, inspired a sale of $7,800 (est. $2,500-$3,000). F. Hugo dAlesis 1894 maquette for Centenaire de la Lithographie / Galerie Rapp was won for $43,200 (est. $30,000-$40,000). Manuel Orazis elegant Maison Moderne, from 1900, sold for $72,000. Two iconic works from Thophile-Alexandre Steinlen inspired passionate bids, his Clinique Chron from 1905 was won for $31,200 (est. $17,000-$20,000), and his Lait pur Strilis from 1894 sold for $22,800 (est. $14,000-$17,000). And this auctions catalog cover, Walter Schnackenbergs 1912 Odeon Casino, the best printing seen yet, sold for the highest amount to date, $50,400 (est. $25,000-$30,000). Designs for transit scored exceptionally high bids. Roger Perots 1933 Grand Prix de Nice sold for $8,400 (est. $5,000-$6,000); Plinio Codognatos forceful 1923 Gran Premio dEuropa / Fiat earned a winning bid of $90,000 (est. $70,000-$90,000). Collectors also vied for Leslie Ragans 1941 New York Central / Empire State Express, which surpassed its estimate of $4,000-$5,000 for a final sale of $11,400. For Leonetto Cappiello, known as the father of modern advertising, sales were also fruitful. A 1911 maquette, Carnaval / Vinho do Porto, sold for $33,600. His 1926 Automoto / Byrrh made its auction debut, and collectors clamored for the rare design; it was won for $10,200 (est. $7,000-$9,000). His striking 1931 Kub sold for $60,000, and the 1933 Le Petit Dauphinois inspired a winning bid of $38,400. As for Art Deco works, several notable designs were auctioned. Burkhard Mangolds 1914 Winter in Davos, which has not been at auction in 14 years, exceeded its estimate of $12,000-$15,000 to realize $20,400. Gert Sellheims 1936 Australia / Surf Club sold for $9,600 (est. $7,000-$9,000). Martin Peikerts 1945 ski poster, Wengen-Mnnlichen, quickly surpassed its estimate of $1,400-$1,700 for a win of $7,200. A 1932 maquette by Paul Colin, Ces Messieurs Dames, secured a winning bid of $14,400 (est. $10,000-$12,000). Works by Luciano Achille Mauzan also performed well: his 1930 Bertozzi sold for $6,000 (est. $3,000-$4,000); his 1921 Gallia / Oeufs Schs went for $3,360; and his 1929 Crosley, $7,800. Poster Auctions International (PAI) is located at 26 W. 17th St., New York, N.Y. PAI may be reached by phone at 212-787-4000, or via email at info@posterauctions.com.