Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) Original 19th Century Lithograph

Original color lithograph on vintage vellum from the end of the 19th century signed MUCHA in the plate (Alphonse Mucha 1860-1939) printed in the F. Champenois lithographic workshops in Paris featuring the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt at the Théâtre de la Renaissance for the play “ Lorenzaccio” based on the work of Alfred de Musset (1810-1857). Pleasant copy with some foxing, period frame with antique green patina, partially gilded, dimensions: 40 cm x 19 cm / view: 32 cm x 14 cm. This lithograph is part of the eponymous portfolio of the Masters of the Poster around 1897 (plate no. 114) which represented the most beautiful illustrated posters by the great artists of the time, this series presented reduced-size lithographs of masterpieces of the contemporary poster. REFERENCE: Small version of the lithograph referenced in the catalog raisonné Ann Bridges, "Alphonse Mucha: The Complete Graphic Works" In addition to his work carried out with Sarah Bernhardt, Alphonse Mucha remains linked by contract to the Champenois printing house for which he creates advertisements, menus, calendars... He designed these famous decorative panels for this house, the most popular of which are the first series of the Four Seasons. These panels were small posters without advertising text, printed on strong paper or more rarely on silk. More than a model, the actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) was a true muse for Mucha and played a decisive role in the artist's recognition in Paris. For his shows given at the Renaissance theater, he produced posters, set or costume elements, accessories and stage jewelry. It was in 1898 that Alphonse Mucha created this emblematic lithograph. In Lorenzaccio, Sarah Bernhardt plays the romantic male hero Lorenzo de' Medici, during the siege of Florence by Alessandro de' Medici, symbolized on the poster by a dangerous dragon which threatens the Medici coat of arms. Sarah Bernardt, never afraid to play a masculine role, made Lorenzaccio one of the classic roles in her repertoire.