Original Art Nouveau Poster, Alphonse Mucha, Waverley Cycles, Woman, Blacksmith, Nude, Hair, Cycling, Cyclist, Bicycle, Bike, Laurel, Hammer, Anvil, Allegory, Belle Epoque, 1898

Artist: Alphonse Mucha (1860 – 1939)
Title: Waverley – Cycles
Date: 1898
Dimensions (lxh): 86 x 109 cm
Printer: F. Champenois, 66 Bd St Michel, Paris
Materials and techniques: color lithograph on paper
Marouflage: yes
Condition: A (Refers to a poster in very good condition. The colors are fresh and there is little or no paper loss. If there are imperfections they are marginal and imperceptible)
—
Additional information:
Alfons Maria Mucha, also known as Alphonse Mucha (July 24, 1860 – July 14, 1939), was a Czech poster artist, illustrator, graphic designer, painter, interior designer, and decorator, a leading figure in the Art Nouveau style. He produced numerous paintings, illustrations, advertisements, postcards, and designs.

Mucha moved to Paris in 1887 and continued his studies at the Académie Julian and the Académie Colarossi. In 1894, Mucha designed a poster for Sarah Bernhardt that attracted considerable attention. Bernhardt was so pleased with the success of this first poster that she began a six-year contract with Mucha.

Mucha produced a multitude of paintings, posters, advertisements, and book illustrations, as well as jewelry designs with René Lalique, carpets, wallpaper, and theater sets in what was initially called the Mucha style, but became known as Art Nouveau.

Mucha's style was exhibited internationally at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, about which Mucha said, "I think [the Exposition Universelle] helped bring aesthetic values ​​into the arts and crafts."

His works are cherished by museums and collectors worldwide.

Poster created by Alphonse Mucha in 1898 for Waverley Cycles.

The Waverley brand was an American company from Indianapolis (Indiana) founded in 1885, known and represented throughout Europe.

In the poster, Mucha chose to depict not a bicycle but its handlebars, on which a blacksmith woman leans. In her hand, she holds a laurel branch, probably to evoke the victories won by the famous brand. A hammer and anvil in the foreground symbolize the robustness of the bicycles.

“Harry Reynaud, General Manager for France – Warehouse: 46 Bd Gouvion, St Cyr, Paris – Auction house: 16 Avenue de la Grande Armée, “Photo-Cycle””
—
MOUFFLET – Paris Fine Arts

The gallery specializes in collectible prints and posters. Since 1970 we have been offering our expertise to our international clientele of amateurs, collectors and museums. We guarantee the authenticity of all our items.

Payment: We accept PayPal and major credit cards.

Return and refund conditions: 14 days.

Handling: We take great care in packaging and shipping your purchase. We use extra thick cardboard shipping tubes that are approved by FedEx.

Shipping: Shipping is free. We ship worldwide with FedEx International Priority. Delivery is usually 1-3 business days. A tracking number is provided to track the shipment online.

Attention International Buyers: Please Note that import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.