273
273
1896 24½ h × 18⅛ w in (62 × 46 cm)
estimate: $17,000–20,000
result: $16,510
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This is Mucha's single most famous work, though it seems impossible that such flamboyant effort would be devoted to selling cigarette papers. But the exotic tendrils of her hair conjure up the fractal whorls of smoke from an idle cigarette. The image is breathtaking; the beauty intoxicating. Photographs are seldom able to capture the metallic gold paint used for the hair, which gleams and radiates in the light, delivering an experience not unlike a religious icon.
Imp. F. Champenois, Paris
literature: Rennert/Weill, 15; Lendl/Prague, p. 118; Mucha/Art Nouveau, 20; DFP-II, 635; Maitres, 202; Masters 1900, p. 18; Weill, p. 41; Timeless Images, 33; PAI-XCIII, 299
This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.