A record number of buyers showed up at Poster Auctions International on November 8, proving that the vintage poster market is as strong as ever! In its 49th semi-annual auction of rare posters, Poster Auctions International realized over $1,600,000 million – a number 50% higher than that posted at this time last year.
Art Deco certainly dominated the sale, with works by A.M. Cassandre and Paul Colin leading the way. Cassandre’s famous poster for “Dubonet” as well as his “United States Lines”, each saw $20,700, with his stately “La Route Bleue” close behind at $18,400. Even more impressive was Colin’s “Leroy Opticien”, far exceeding its estimate to reach $41,400. His portfolio “Le Tumulte Noir”, a visual homage to the excitement of the “Jazz Age”, also saw an impressive $23,000.
Art Nouveau masterworks continued to show their enduring popularity, with posters by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha receiving the most attention. For Lautrec it was his “Troupe de Mlle. Eglantine” ($46,000), “May Belfort” ($34,500), and “Babylone d’Allemagne” ($39,100) which captivated the crowded room. Mucha enthusiasts, meanwhile, mostly bid by phone, his “Moet & Chandon duo, Monaco Monte-Carlo”, and “Bieres de la Meuse” each driven up to $25,300. Further interest in Mucha also showed in the $46,000 fetched for an original painting, “The Girl from Montenegro”.
One of the most unexpected moments in the auction came when two never before seen posters by Grun went up for sale. With a bidding war that ended in fierce applause, both nearly doubled their estimates, his “Paris-Medoc” reaching $13,800 and his “Societe Parisienne” achieving an unprecedented $12,650.
Other highlights include Ludwig Hohlwein’s “PKZ” ($19,550) and “Audi” ($21,850), Leonetto Cappiello’s “Bitter Campari” ($17,250), Matania’s “Southport” ($9,200), Steinlen’s “Chocolats/Thes” ($16,100), and Rosa Bonheur’s “Buffalo Bill” ($14,950). Strong prices were also realized in the large selection of over 40 aviation posters, with Charles Brosse’s “Meeting d’Aviation/Nice Seeing” $13,800, and M. Dessoure’s “Semaine d’Aviation/Caen” reaching $10,350.
Poster Auctions International will be presenting its 50th auction on Sunday, May 2, 2010, featuring only the world’s top posters of the last 130 years. A special month-long exhibition will be free and open to the public, as well as a host of exciting events to celebrate their semicentennial sale. Consignments are accepted through January 15, 2010.
Image: “Bieres de la Meuse” Made $25,300