Belle Epoque icons Toulouse-Lautrec, Alphonse Mucha prevail in Poster Auctions International sale

NEW YORK - Aug. 5, 2020 - PRLog -- Poster Auctions International's (PAI) second sale of the year, on July 21^st, finished at $1.3 million in sales. Auction LXXXI proved an ongoing passion for posters.

Jack Rennert, President of PAI, said, "This auction was anything but typical. We're 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."

The great mythologizer of Montmartre, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, maintained his appeal to bidders. His 1894 Eldorado / Aristide Bruant, originally denigrated by the venue's management, reached its highest sales price in our auction history: $78,000 (all prices include premiums). Similarly, his triumphant 1896 La Chaîne 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; a rare variant with the imprint of L. Brancher, from 1900, reached $45,600. His seductive Moët & Chandon, from 1899, was claimed for $31,200. His radiant 1896 Job, estimated at $15,000-$20,000, soared to new heights with a winning bid of $29,520.

Concurrent with Art Nouveau, Spanish Modernisme heralded the revival of Catalan art and culture. One of the era's 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 Roubille's ca. 1909 Spratt's Patent Ltd., was won for $10,800.

Poster Auctions International's next sale will be held in New York on November 15^th, 2020. Consignments are accepted until September 1^st. Poster Auctions International is located at 26 W. 17th Street, New York, NY  10011. To reach them by phone, call 212-787-4000; or, send an email to info@posterauctions.com. To learn more, please visit www.posterauctions.com.