Posted 10 years ago
mikelv85
(1232 items)
Picked two framed art prints up at Salvation Army this morning. They are reproduction lithographs of Alphonse Mucha works. The titles are "Evening Contemplation" and "Morning Awakening". They measure 16" X 46" in gold anodized aluminum frames with plexiglass. They are part of a series of four representing the times of the day. Morning Awakening, Brightness of Day, Evening Contemplation, and Night's Rest from 1899 . There is a certificate of authenticity on the cardboard back of each framed print. They say: CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY. The Guild certifies and warrants that this is a fine reproduction print, produced by Offset Lithography on fine art paper. It faithfully reproduces the original work of art as created by the artist. THE GUILD, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10001. Framed by A.P.F., Inc. Frame makers & Conservators 601 West 26th Street Showroom 35 East 76th street at the Carlyle Hotel New York City. I'm not sure of their age but there was a pair on Worthpoint from 2011 and they were saying this same pair was believed to be at least 50 years old. No value unless you subscribe. These look to be a bit faded but maybe not.I've also noticed that sometimes the same print will be reproduced in different tones like blues or orange and gold shades. Reproductions vary quite a bit in color and intensity. -Mike-
Alphonse Mucha
Courtesy of www.muchafoundation.org
Mucha was established as a leading poster artist between 1895 and 1900. During this period, six posters by Mucha appeared in Les Maîtres de l'Affiche, Jules Chéret’s monthly publication featuring the best posters of the time selected by him. Also from that time, Mucha’s distinctive style was called ‘le style Mucha’, becoming synonymous with the current ‘Art Nouveau’ style.
It was Mucha’s belief that through the creation of beautiful works of art the quality of life would be improved. He also believed that it was his duty as an artist to promote art for ordinary people. He was able to fulfill both of these objectives by means of his innovative concept of the mass-produced decorative panel. Of the panels, Mucha later wrote: ‘I was happy to be involved in an art for the people and not for private drawing rooms. It was inexpensive, accessible to the general public, and it found a home in poor families as well as in more affluent circles.’
The first of Mucha’s decorative panels were The Seasons (1896), a series of four panels representing the theme of the four seasons. The series proved very popular and it was followed by other popular series including The Flowers (1898), The Arts (1898), The Times of the Day (1899), The Precious Stones (1900) and The Moon and the Stars (1902). These panels illustrate all the typical qualities of the Mucha poster – the beautiful women with suggestive gestures, the decorative use of flowers and flowing hair, the subtle yet striking colours – all combine to create a compelling harmony of vision whose intention is to inspire and elevate the viewer.
What brilliant prints anyone would be so proud to own
Thank you Zowie :) I really think they're great too !
beautiful!!
Very very nice!
Great find Mike! Crazy good! Jealous!
FYI. My 10 year could says "jelly" for jealous. Actually like it
Thanks Sean, Elisabethan, and Amber for the "loves" and compliments !
I also own two of these! I bought them both at a yard sale, 80 bucks for the pair. Absolute steal. Having trouble finding info but I have the same two prints, both in more warm tones, with the same exact frames and certificates. So awesome! Would love to find the other two one day
Great find! Even though not antique, these older Mucha reproductions are now bringing healthy auction prices these days. The only problem with these are the acidic cardboard backing. The acid burn can be corrected, but it costs a bit to do so.
Very nice!!! Great info too, thx for sharing :)
Thank you gianna, cogito, and shareurpassion. Yes these were a great find. Usually things designated as collectable or limited editions have little value. I figured these were the exception and it's nice that everyone agrees with me. I love them and to have all four would really be something. -Mike-
Lucky to have would a light behind show through & high lite them
Happy to have found this page as I was doing a little research on the two prints I have as well. Same frame same print. I bought them here in Omaha Nebraska in 1985. I love them. I've kept them out of sunlight yet thought maybe they were a little faded but it is sounding like they have the muted colors in them and so far no acid burn. It would be great to see the other two of the set.
My daughter has 2 over her bed, but not that large... I don't know which title--I'll be careful to look closly next time I visit.
Your daughter has something great to look at
I am so glad to have found this post! I bought two of these earlier today in an antique store in Virginia. They have the same Certificate of Authenticity on the back. I have Morning Awakening and Brightness of Day. I am wondering if I should have the cardboard backing changed since someone mentioned it can create acid burn. Thank you for posting this information! They are beautiful!
Thanks ArtNouveauChic :)
I am so glad to find this post as well!! I have this exact same print, same label and frame. I have the complete set of 4 panels. I purchased these in an antique junk store in Oklahoma. I have owned them for over 15 years and pleased to see this post. I had been searching and searching for info! :) Thanks for the post!
You're welcome mtnbiker .... It's nice to see this post is still helping people after all these years ! :)
Wow! What a find. "Times of Day" were gifted to me 3 years ago. I'm not sure she knew what she had. I have the set of four & I love them! They have The Guild certificates. I have had several offers on them but it's a solid no.
I want to go thrift store shopping with you!