New York, NY, USA, December 15, 2022 — Poster Auctions International’s (PAI) third sale of the year, on November 13, finished at just over $2.2 million. Rare Posters Auction LXXXVIII saw sustained passion for rare and never-before-seen lithographs from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras, continuing PAI’s streak of $2 million auctions this year.
Jack Rennert, President of PAI, said, “We are always humbled by the enthusiasm of our consignors and bidders at auction. Collectors demonstrated continued passion for rare and important lithographs, leading to several new sales records.”
Alphonse Mucha continued to hold sway over admiring buyers. The top sale from this Belle Époque master was his 1911 Princezna Hyacinta, which was won for a record-breaking $78,000 against an estimated $35,000-$45,000. Another new high sale went to the ca. 1899 Bleuze-Hadancourt / Parfumeur, which was sold for $45,600 (est. $17,000-$20,000).
All prices quoted include the buyer’s premium.
Overall, works by Art Nouveau masters were highly sought after. Adolfo Hohenstein’s dramatic 1899 Tosca was secured for a winning bid of $40,800 (est. $15,000-$20,000). Privat Livemont’s iconic 1896 Absinthe Robette performed consistently well, topping out at $21,600. From Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen, a Russian text variant of his infamous 1896 Chat Noir was claimed for $19,200. Joseph Maria Olbrich’s 1901 Darmstadt sold for $16,800; Ludwig Hohlwein’s 1913 Kaffee Hag went for $19,200; H. Gray’s 1899 Cycles Sirius surpassed its estimate of $4,000-$5,000 for a winning bid of $7,800; and Rosa Bonheur’s 1905 Buffalo Bill was secured for $20,400 (est. $14,000-$17,000).
Jules Chéret saw passionate bids at auction this November. His beloved 1893 Folies-Bergère / La Loïe Fuller was won for $12,000 (est. $5,000-$6,000); his lovely 1891 Saxoléine sold for $5,280 (est. $1,200-$1,500); and his 1877 Skating-Concerts, featuring circus performer Miss Korah, inspired fervent bidding, leading to a winning bid of $9,000 (est. $2,000-$2,500). But above all, collectors vied for his original paintings. One was sold for $33,600, a second was won for $28,800 (both est. $17,000-$20,000), and the third was claimed for $12,000 (est. $7,000-$9,000).
To learn more about PAI, visit www.posterauctions.com.
