NEW YORK – Bloomsbury Auctions presents for auction an eclectic selection of vintage and modern posters representing a pictorial narrative of the 20th century
Bloomsbury Auctions New York is proud to announce for sale a spectacular collection of 282 posters nostalgically capturing the evolving zeitgeist of the 20th century in print. The collection is composed of a distinguished group of vintage and modern posters depicting a variety of subjects, including automobiles and bicycles, travel, winter sports, and aviation. Some of the undisputed masters of the craft including Toulouse-Lautrec, Alphonse Mucha and Cheret are prominently featured in this stunning pictorial narrative of the 20th century.
The sale highlights the important oeuvre of Toulouse-Lautrec with the familiar images of fin de siecle France represented by Cycles Michael ($14,000 – $16,000), Reine de Joie ($70,000-$90,000), and Eldorado, Aristide Bruant dans son Cabaret ($80,000 – $100,000). Other master highlights include La Diaphane ($2,500-$3,500) by Cheret, the creator of the modern poster, work by the quintessential Art Nouveaux poster artist Alphonse Mucha, including Zodiac ($14,000-$18,000) and Salome ($1,500-$2,000) and masterpieces by other notable artists such as Steinlen, Cappiello, and Savignac.
Iconic images of the dance and concert hall are also magnificently represented by such posters as Gesmar’s flirtatious Mistinguett ($2,000-$3,000) and the exquisitely provocative depiction of Josephine Baker at the height of her success as the star at the Foiles Bergeres ($15,000-$20,000). More modern images of the theater and dance from the 1970’s and 1980’s, such as Gorka’s provocative Cabaret ($1,500-2,500) provide a modern counterpoint to the collection.
The Golden Age of travel and transportation also feature prominently with a selection of aviation, vintage car, bicycle, and transatlantic shipping line advertisements from a bygone era. Highlights include depictions of the pioneering Pan Am and TWA airlines, as well as the shipping lines Cunard, Red Star line, and Chargeurs Reunis. Images of bi-planes, early jets and majestic shipping lines are a stunning testament to the elegance of travel. Destinations and resorts are also included with a comprehensive selection of about 40 posters depicting winter sports and such famed resorts as Sun Valley and St. Moritz by some of the most celebrated artists of advertorial art, including Cardinaux, Soubie and Karl Moos.
The preview exhibition will be held on Saturday October 18-21 from 10-5pm. The auction will begin on October 22 at precisely 2pm. Visit www.bloomsburyauctions.com to view the catalogue, auction calendar and sale results.
