Alphonse Marie Mucha (1860-1939)
Salome
Original Lithograph from the glorious portfolio "L'Estampe Moderne", issue #2 (June 1897)
On wove paper
Year: 1897
Size (sheet): 405 x 305 mm
Signed on the plate "Mucha", lower left
Blind stamp of the publisher, lower right
Excellent condition: minor signs of age and handling
Full margins (not cropped, not trimmed)
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About the Collection (L'Estampe Moderne)
L'Estampe Moderne appeared in 1897-1899 as a series of 24 monthly fascicles, each containing 4 original lithographs, printed by Parisian Imprimerie Champenois. Many accomplished European Art Nouveau painters contributed works to this publication, which contained only Original prints invented and produced especially for this collection. The publication was edited by Charles Masson and H. Piazza. Each issue came in a paper cover bearing an original lithograph by Alphonse Mucha.
Each lithograph was accompanied by a tissue containing the details (title of the artwork, name of the artist, etc.) and a short text by a well-known author who inspired the artist.
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THE ARTIST
Alphonse Mucha (1860–1939) was the definitive "architect" of Art Nouveau, a movement so intertwined with his vision that it was initially dubbed Le Style Mucha. His fame exploded in 1895 with his poster for Sarah Bernhardt, which introduced his revolutionary aesthetic to the streets of Paris. Mucha’s work is synonymous with his portrayal of women—ethereal, goddess-like figures defined by "macaroni" curves of flowing hair, halo-like mosaics, and intricate botanical frames. These women were not merely decorative; they became icons of modern femininity, blending classical grace with a sensuous, organic energy that defined the Belle Époque.
His masterpieces are preserved in the Mucha Museum (Prague), National Gallery (Prague), Musée d’Orsay (Paris), Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), and the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), and many other public collections worldwide, and his artworks may fetch even millions at international auction.
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from the text on the tissue paper:
"La Salomé de Mucha comptera parmi les plus intéressantes compositions de l'artiste tchèque qui s'est révélé depuis peu en France et qui a conquis d'emblée une si grande place dans la faveur du public. Comme dans ses affiches, que tout le monde connaît et recherche, il nous montre ici les ressources variées de son talent multiple et sûr de dessinateur, de décorateur et de coloriste.
C'est à Mucha que nous avons commandé la première des deux primes qui seront délivrées gratuitement à tous les souscripteurs des douze livraisons annuelles de l'Estampe moderne, chacune de ces primes paraîtra à la fin de chaque semestre."
English Translation:
Mucha’s Salomé will count among the most interesting compositions by the Czech artist, who has recently emerged in France and has instantly conquered such a significant place in the public's favor. As in his posters, which everyone knows and seeks out, he demonstrates here the varied resources of his versatile and confident talent as a draftsman, decorator, and colorist.
It is to Mucha that we have commissioned the first of two premiums to be delivered to all subscribers of the twelve annual issues of L'Estampe moderne; each of these premiums will appear at the end of each semester.
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This Artwork
This lithograph was created in 1897 for the art publication L'Estampe Moderne. It beautifully captures the essence of the "Mucha woman" — a figure that blends ethereal grace with a certain mysterious, powerful presence.
The print displays the hallmarks of the Art Nouveau style through its use of organic lines and intricate ornamentation: Salomé is depicted with a sinuous, "S-shaped" pose, her head tilted back with an expression of haughty detachment. Her dark hair is entwined with metal rings, cascading down her back in iconic curves. She holds a stylised, circular musical instrument that frames her upper body and wears highly detailed Orientalist jewellery, including a large hoop earring and an elaborate jewelled belt, with garments rendered in soft, flowing layers.
For this print, Mucha utilised a sophisticated, muted palette: pastel greens, soft corals, and warm terracottas create a harmonious, dreamlike atmosphere. Moreover, the figure is set against a mosaic-like background of repeating circular patterns and stippled textures, providing a halo-like effect. Strong, fluid black outlines define the form, giving the lithograph a graphic yet delicate quality.
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Important:
. The listing is for the original print, in the above mentioned excellent condition.
. The original tissue paper introduction will be given to the buyer as a gift
. The cover by Mucha and the edition (back of the cover) are shown as a reference and proof of authenticity and edition
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