Poster
1874 Sport, Business and Red Stockings
2014 SOLD 190 K$ including premium
Sport is not only a physical feat. The American baseball blew the barriers between sport and money. The bold pioneer of commercial application in this sport was Harry Wright, who also tried cricket.
In 1869, on the initiative of Wright, the Cincinnati Base Ball Club founded three years earlier became the first team entirely composed of professionals. Another novelty of this team is the use of long red stockings. The club was known colloquially as the Cincinnati Red Stockings.
Harry's younger brother George Wright became the best baseball player of his time. The world of baseball was still to to be built. In 1871, the brothers created a second Red Stockings club in Boston.
Advertising companies are interested in these developments. In 1874 in Boston, the cigar maker Nichols & Macdonald creates a lithographic poster to be used in the tobacco shops. This poster 58 x 68 cm is the earliest American advertising document combining commerce with the image of an athlete.
George holds a bat in closeup. His jersey is marked Boston. Behind him, other sportsmen are playing or waiting on the field. Red Stockings, in large text and symbolically illustrated with a sample of this artefact, has become a brand of cigars.
We now know how deeply the tobacco manufacturers were involved in this sport at the time of the baseball cards. This poster is a far-away and unexpected precursor. The only surviving copy, in good condition, is for sale online from New Jersey on April 26 by Robert Edward Auctions.
The poster is illustrated on the page shared by Paul Fraser.
In 1869, on the initiative of Wright, the Cincinnati Base Ball Club founded three years earlier became the first team entirely composed of professionals. Another novelty of this team is the use of long red stockings. The club was known colloquially as the Cincinnati Red Stockings.
Harry's younger brother George Wright became the best baseball player of his time. The world of baseball was still to to be built. In 1871, the brothers created a second Red Stockings club in Boston.
Advertising companies are interested in these developments. In 1874 in Boston, the cigar maker Nichols & Macdonald creates a lithographic poster to be used in the tobacco shops. This poster 58 x 68 cm is the earliest American advertising document combining commerce with the image of an athlete.
George holds a bat in closeup. His jersey is marked Boston. Behind him, other sportsmen are playing or waiting on the field. Red Stockings, in large text and symbolically illustrated with a sample of this artefact, has become a brand of cigars.
We now know how deeply the tobacco manufacturers were involved in this sport at the time of the baseball cards. This poster is a far-away and unexpected precursor. The only surviving copy, in good condition, is for sale online from New Jersey on April 26 by Robert Edward Auctions.
The poster is illustrated on the page shared by Paul Fraser.
1891 La Goulue and Valentin le Désossé on Stage In New York
2008 SOLD 300 K$ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The featured lot of the sale of Swann Galleries in New York on December 17 is at number 132 of the catalog.
It is an original example of the most famous and first Lautrec poster, made in 1891 for Moulin Rouge, the renowned Parisian cabaret. The cabaret makes dancing and concert every night, and masked ball on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Such pleasure houses are a tradition in Paris for several decades. There were a wide range of them, some were luxurious, others were dirty.
Toulouse-Lautrec, fan of Parisian life, used the poster as a technique to capture the stars of this underworld. The glory of Aristide Bruant survived until today, that of Yvette Guilbert is outdated and forgotten. Here, our poster introduces La Goulue, a dancer of French can-can. She is represented in dancing action, the right leg thrown to horizontal. We see in the foreground an enigmatic grayish character, stange mixing of serious and underground middleman, who used to be named Valentin le Désossé ("Boneless Valentine"). The artist has signed the poster with his monogram HTLautrec.
It was a large poster (about 2 x 1.2 m), in three sheets, found rarely as full as here and with all its text. This quality makes it estimated by Swann at 250 K $.
The featured lot of the sale of Swann Galleries in New York on December 17 is at number 132 of the catalog.
It is an original example of the most famous and first Lautrec poster, made in 1891 for Moulin Rouge, the renowned Parisian cabaret. The cabaret makes dancing and concert every night, and masked ball on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Such pleasure houses are a tradition in Paris for several decades. There were a wide range of them, some were luxurious, others were dirty.
Toulouse-Lautrec, fan of Parisian life, used the poster as a technique to capture the stars of this underworld. The glory of Aristide Bruant survived until today, that of Yvette Guilbert is outdated and forgotten. Here, our poster introduces La Goulue, a dancer of French can-can. She is represented in dancing action, the right leg thrown to horizontal. We see in the foreground an enigmatic grayish character, stange mixing of serious and underground middleman, who used to be named Valentin le Désossé ("Boneless Valentine"). The artist has signed the poster with his monogram HTLautrec.
It was a large poster (about 2 x 1.2 m), in three sheets, found rarely as full as here and with all its text. This quality makes it estimated by Swann at 250 K $.
1891 The Pharmacists of Atlanta
2014 SOLD for $ 127.5K before fees
The first formula of French Wine Coca was invented in Atlanta in 1885 by John Pemberton. This pharmacist, a veteran of the Civil War, seeks to relieve the pain from his past injuries while escaping morphine by a mixture of wine and coca. His syrup is available at the soda fountain in a local pharmacy.
Paradoxically, a temporary ban on alcohol in the following year in Atlanta precipitates the success of the new drink. Wine is no longer used and the new name of Coca-Cola is created by an associate of Pemberton, Frank Robinson, who also designs a beautiful eye-catching logo with two energetic C initials.
Another Atlanta pharmacist named Asa Candler, specializing in the preparation of medicines for a local drugstore, bought the formula for Coca-Cola to Pemberton in 1888 and developed an intensive advertising strategy which will open one of the greatest American success stories. Candler later became mayor of Atlanta.
On December 5 in Denver PA, Morphy sells a calendar published by Asa C. Candler & Co for 1891, promoting Coca-Cola,lot 481 on the website of the auction house and the online bidding platform LiveAuctioneers.
This edition known by that single copy is the earliest identified advertising calendar for Coca-Cola, even anticipating the incorporation of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company which took place in 1892. This unique piece was early kept in a pharmaceutical collection and remains in an almost perfect condition. It is estimated in excess of $ 100K.
Paradoxically, a temporary ban on alcohol in the following year in Atlanta precipitates the success of the new drink. Wine is no longer used and the new name of Coca-Cola is created by an associate of Pemberton, Frank Robinson, who also designs a beautiful eye-catching logo with two energetic C initials.
Another Atlanta pharmacist named Asa Candler, specializing in the preparation of medicines for a local drugstore, bought the formula for Coca-Cola to Pemberton in 1888 and developed an intensive advertising strategy which will open one of the greatest American success stories. Candler later became mayor of Atlanta.
On December 5 in Denver PA, Morphy sells a calendar published by Asa C. Candler & Co for 1891, promoting Coca-Cola,lot 481 on the website of the auction house and the online bidding platform LiveAuctioneers.
This edition known by that single copy is the earliest identified advertising calendar for Coca-Cola, even anticipating the incorporation of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company which took place in 1892. This unique piece was early kept in a pharmaceutical collection and remains in an almost perfect condition. It is estimated in excess of $ 100K.
1895 Champagne for Bonnard !
2009 unsold
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Tomorrow, December 16 in New York, Swann auctions a copy of an important milestone in the history of the poster. Unfortunately, it is small, 80 x 60 cm, and not in very good condition. It will be difficult to sell it at $ 20K.
In 1891 in Paris, very young artists attend classes at the Academie Julian. Most are under 25 years. They admire Gauguin, the sharpness of his line, his bold colors, his popular themes. This movement is known as the Nabis. They give to Bonnard the nickname of Nabi Japonard because of his interest in Japanese art.
That year, Bonnard receives the major order of a poster for France-Champagne. It is widely distributed on the walls of Paris. The artist's career is launched.
It shows a drinking woman with a generous neckline, a glass of sparkling wine in hand. She swoons of pleasure or drunkenness under a swirling lettered title. This could be done by Chéret, except that the more striking and efficient line directly anticipates and influences the work of Toulouse-Lautrec.
Tomorrow, December 16 in New York, Swann auctions a copy of an important milestone in the history of the poster. Unfortunately, it is small, 80 x 60 cm, and not in very good condition. It will be difficult to sell it at $ 20K.
In 1891 in Paris, very young artists attend classes at the Academie Julian. Most are under 25 years. They admire Gauguin, the sharpness of his line, his bold colors, his popular themes. This movement is known as the Nabis. They give to Bonnard the nickname of Nabi Japonard because of his interest in Japanese art.
That year, Bonnard receives the major order of a poster for France-Champagne. It is widely distributed on the walls of Paris. The artist's career is launched.
It shows a drinking woman with a generous neckline, a glass of sparkling wine in hand. She swoons of pleasure or drunkenness under a swirling lettered title. This could be done by Chéret, except that the more striking and efficient line directly anticipates and influences the work of Toulouse-Lautrec.
1900 Ski in Chamonix and London
2009 SOLD 17.5 K£ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Among the traditional sales to start the new year at Christie's London, there is a sale of posters of winter sports. The next one is scheduled for January 28.
We noted this year, at lot 31, a poster of Chamonix - Mont Blanc circa 1900 designed by Francisco Tamagno. The atmosphere and the image are typical of the "Belle Epoque". A man and a woman on skis, warmly dressed, fly over a snowy slope surrounded by firs. We recognize the Mont Blanc on the horizon line.
This is a PLM poster. This railway line Paris Lyons Mediterranean was the main sponsor in France for tourism posters.
The dynamism of the two skiers, their resolutely happy look and their out of fashion equipment should appeal. This poster in very good condition, 105 x 76 cm, is estimated £ 14 K (perhaps a little expensive).
In these sales that bring passion, surprises are always possible. At the previous edition, 20 February 2008, a 1952 poster depicting a slalom skier was sold £ 36.5 K on an estimate of £ 600. Its peculiarity was to be written in Russian.
POST SALE COMMENT
The poster was sold £ 17.5 K inclusive. It is a good result. The estimate had been tight, which means difficulty in selling to the low estimate. That is what justified my comment on the price.
Among the traditional sales to start the new year at Christie's London, there is a sale of posters of winter sports. The next one is scheduled for January 28.
We noted this year, at lot 31, a poster of Chamonix - Mont Blanc circa 1900 designed by Francisco Tamagno. The atmosphere and the image are typical of the "Belle Epoque". A man and a woman on skis, warmly dressed, fly over a snowy slope surrounded by firs. We recognize the Mont Blanc on the horizon line.
This is a PLM poster. This railway line Paris Lyons Mediterranean was the main sponsor in France for tourism posters.
The dynamism of the two skiers, their resolutely happy look and their out of fashion equipment should appeal. This poster in very good condition, 105 x 76 cm, is estimated £ 14 K (perhaps a little expensive).
In these sales that bring passion, surprises are always possible. At the previous edition, 20 February 2008, a 1952 poster depicting a slalom skier was sold £ 36.5 K on an estimate of £ 600. Its peculiarity was to be written in Russian.
POST SALE COMMENT
The poster was sold £ 17.5 K inclusive. It is a good result. The estimate had been tight, which means difficulty in selling to the low estimate. That is what justified my comment on the price.
1902 Houdini against the German Police
2011 SOLD 25 K$ before fees
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Harry Houdini was gifted. Even too much gifted: he had not just only friends. He specialized in the escape, and it isnot surprising that his magic tricks have attracted the attention of the police.
In 1902 he traveled in Europe. In Cologne, a police officer accused him of cheating. The magician brings against the police a libel suit, transforming the local court into a sort of circus where he demonstrates his skills. Three times, hemanages to get rid of his chains and handcuffs.
This episode reinforces the rising glory of Houdini. He immediately has made a poster on this theme, 107 x 78 cm,drawn by Zier and printed by lithography in Leipzig, the capital of the German imaging.
By this highly mediatic act, he turns his trial into a major victory of the magicians against the spiritists and othersupernatural enthusiasts. A copy is estimated $ 15K, for sale on March 26 in Chicago by Potter & Potter, an auction house specializing in magicana and magic props.
This poster is shown on the catalog page shared by LiveAuctioneers.
POST SALE COMMENT
Result : $ 25K before fees for this poster telling a quite unusual story.
Harry Houdini was gifted. Even too much gifted: he had not just only friends. He specialized in the escape, and it isnot surprising that his magic tricks have attracted the attention of the police.
In 1902 he traveled in Europe. In Cologne, a police officer accused him of cheating. The magician brings against the police a libel suit, transforming the local court into a sort of circus where he demonstrates his skills. Three times, hemanages to get rid of his chains and handcuffs.
This episode reinforces the rising glory of Houdini. He immediately has made a poster on this theme, 107 x 78 cm,drawn by Zier and printed by lithography in Leipzig, the capital of the German imaging.
By this highly mediatic act, he turns his trial into a major victory of the magicians against the spiritists and othersupernatural enthusiasts. A copy is estimated $ 15K, for sale on March 26 in Chicago by Potter & Potter, an auction house specializing in magicana and magic props.
This poster is shown on the catalog page shared by LiveAuctioneers.
POST SALE COMMENT
Result : $ 25K before fees for this poster telling a quite unusual story.
1902 Serial Posters by Mucha
2010 Unsold
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Alfons Mucha, born in Moravia, is the typical illustrator of the Belle Epoque, this period of peace when Parisians were feeling happy.
He expressed mainly his art by the poster, on which he showed nicely dressed young women. Like Chéret, he uses vertical formats of which he fills the whole surface, but
the sharp line of Mucha's drawing is already inspired by advertising.
His Parisian works fall into three themes: announcement for the theatres, advertising, symbols. In this last category that is relevant for today's article, he often offers sets of four posters: les Saisons (Seasons), les Arts (Arts), les Fleurs (Flowers), les Heures du Jour (Hours of the Day).
On November 14 in New York, Poster Auctions International sells les Pierres Précieuses (Precious Stones), in excellent condition and framed. This is not the original edition of 1900, 30 x 67 cm, but the large format edition of 1902, 46 x 107 cm, as almost always printed for this artist by Champenois.
The four young ladies, topaz, ruby, amethyst and emerald, are there, each one between a giant flower in the foreground and a circular wall form which may be a mirror. The lot is estimated $ 170K.
It is illustrated in the catalog shared by LiveAuctioneers.
Alfons Mucha, born in Moravia, is the typical illustrator of the Belle Epoque, this period of peace when Parisians were feeling happy.
He expressed mainly his art by the poster, on which he showed nicely dressed young women. Like Chéret, he uses vertical formats of which he fills the whole surface, but
the sharp line of Mucha's drawing is already inspired by advertising.
His Parisian works fall into three themes: announcement for the theatres, advertising, symbols. In this last category that is relevant for today's article, he often offers sets of four posters: les Saisons (Seasons), les Arts (Arts), les Fleurs (Flowers), les Heures du Jour (Hours of the Day).
On November 14 in New York, Poster Auctions International sells les Pierres Précieuses (Precious Stones), in excellent condition and framed. This is not the original edition of 1900, 30 x 67 cm, but the large format edition of 1902, 46 x 107 cm, as almost always printed for this artist by Champenois.
The four young ladies, topaz, ruby, amethyst and emerald, are there, each one between a giant flower in the foreground and a circular wall form which may be a mirror. The lot is estimated $ 170K.
It is illustrated in the catalog shared by LiveAuctioneers.
1905 A Viennese Workshop
2013 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
At the turn of the twentieth century, artists around the world feel the need to develop a new art. In 1897, the young architect Josef Hoffmann is a founder of the Viennese Secession.
Much oriented towards the cooperation between avant-garde artists, Hoffmann installed in 1903 with the support of Koloman Moser a building of workshops named Wiener Werkstätte.
In 1905, the new craft community carries a multidisciplinary activity. Hoffmann and Moser print 40 copies of a poster to guide visitors in the workshops. On this surface 90 x 62 cm, only a central stripe in broken column is printed with the text in the calligraphy of the time, the rest is left to the free performance of the artists.
These drawings made in stencil around the text are geometric, with colors that appeal to the symbols of the related workshop. They are a simple decoration, but the influence of the Wiener Werkstätte led to regard them as precursors of modern art, fourteen years before the Bauhaus.
Only three of these unique posters have survived. One of them, designed by Hoffmann himself, recently resurfaced when a collection lost to Nazis was returned. This is one of the great rarities of the Viennese new art, especially since only a few among the missing pieces are known from period black and white photographs.
This poster is for sale by Swann Galleries in New York on December 18. Here is the link to the catalog.
At the turn of the twentieth century, artists around the world feel the need to develop a new art. In 1897, the young architect Josef Hoffmann is a founder of the Viennese Secession.
Much oriented towards the cooperation between avant-garde artists, Hoffmann installed in 1903 with the support of Koloman Moser a building of workshops named Wiener Werkstätte.
In 1905, the new craft community carries a multidisciplinary activity. Hoffmann and Moser print 40 copies of a poster to guide visitors in the workshops. On this surface 90 x 62 cm, only a central stripe in broken column is printed with the text in the calligraphy of the time, the rest is left to the free performance of the artists.
These drawings made in stencil around the text are geometric, with colors that appeal to the symbols of the related workshop. They are a simple decoration, but the influence of the Wiener Werkstätte led to regard them as precursors of modern art, fourteen years before the Bauhaus.
Only three of these unique posters have survived. One of them, designed by Hoffmann himself, recently resurfaced when a collection lost to Nazis was returned. This is one of the great rarities of the Viennese new art, especially since only a few among the missing pieces are known from period black and white photographs.
This poster is for sale by Swann Galleries in New York on December 18. Here is the link to the catalog.
1912 Houdini in Upside Down
2017 SOLD for $ 114K including premium
Houdini is the most famous of the escapers. He gets rid of handcuffs and chains by a clever position of his muscles which he restricts to achieve his trick. He is also an inventor of stage devices for magic.
He designs in 1911 the Chinese Water Torture Cell, a sensational illusion that he will use in his shows until his death in 1926. Suspended by his ankles the magician is descended head down in a glass tank filled with water where he remains submerged during three minutes. The machine built to perform this trick is made in England.
On February 4 in Chicago, Potter and Potter sells a poster 102 x 224 cm printed in London in 1912, lot 99 estimated over $ 50K, catalog shared on the bidding platform Liveauctioneers. It is one of only three known copies and its condition is graded B+.
The public is challenged to analyze the illusion with a reward of £ 200 to the one who will explain how the air to breathe is supplied to the magician during his immersion.
On June 25, 2016, the same auction house sold for $ 46K including premium a 99 x 213 cm poster printed four years later in Cincinnati, Coming from the same collection, it is in condition A-. The mystery had not been unveiled in the meantime since a similar reward was again offered, now for $ 1000.
In this later version, the equipment offers a new refinement in the torture with a heavy grid locked by six rows of padlocks. The dramatic effect is enhanced by the overflowing water with splashes at the level of the raised feet of the magician.
He designs in 1911 the Chinese Water Torture Cell, a sensational illusion that he will use in his shows until his death in 1926. Suspended by his ankles the magician is descended head down in a glass tank filled with water where he remains submerged during three minutes. The machine built to perform this trick is made in England.
On February 4 in Chicago, Potter and Potter sells a poster 102 x 224 cm printed in London in 1912, lot 99 estimated over $ 50K, catalog shared on the bidding platform Liveauctioneers. It is one of only three known copies and its condition is graded B+.
The public is challenged to analyze the illusion with a reward of £ 200 to the one who will explain how the air to breathe is supplied to the magician during his immersion.
On June 25, 2016, the same auction house sold for $ 46K including premium a 99 x 213 cm poster printed four years later in Cincinnati, Coming from the same collection, it is in condition A-. The mystery had not been unveiled in the meantime since a similar reward was again offered, now for $ 1000.
In this later version, the equipment offers a new refinement in the torture with a heavy grid locked by six rows of padlocks. The dramatic effect is enhanced by the overflowing water with splashes at the level of the raised feet of the magician.
Whoa! Hammer price $95,000 for #Houdini Water Torture Cell poster @PnPAuctions pic.twitter.com/36KWZhQEJH
— John Cox (@HoudiniWild) February 4, 2017
1923 Clowns of Cappiello offer Chocolates
2008 unsold
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
What makes the top prize for a poster is well known: rarity, size, signature, condition. At number 312 of the sale of posters of Swann Auction Galleries in New York on August 6, the presented lot shows some of these qualities, but not all.
The design is particularly dynamic. Two clowns looking like Pierrot dance with piles of boxes from where chocolates are falling. Their faces radiate happiness.
The artist, Leonetto Cappiello, is recognized as one of the best poster creators. The poster for the brand of chocolates Venchi (Turin), dated 1923, was previously unknown in the large format of this copy, 272x195 cm. The printer was Devambez in Paris, who had a branch in Turin.
Unfortunately the condition is not very good. The poster had been folded and present misses and repairs at the place of folds, and has been overpainted at several points.
Will the scarcity compensate the condition, and will the estimated $ 30 K be reached? Let us trust this auction house, for whose papers and posters are one of the main specialties. In this single sale, 18 lots (302 to 319) are devoted to Cappiello, with some images much better known than our chocolate. Let us take as examples the Thermogène (Lot 316, 158x120 cm, $ 1.5 K) and Fernet-Branca (Lot 309, 198x122 cm, $ 1.5 K).
What makes the top prize for a poster is well known: rarity, size, signature, condition. At number 312 of the sale of posters of Swann Auction Galleries in New York on August 6, the presented lot shows some of these qualities, but not all.
The design is particularly dynamic. Two clowns looking like Pierrot dance with piles of boxes from where chocolates are falling. Their faces radiate happiness.
The artist, Leonetto Cappiello, is recognized as one of the best poster creators. The poster for the brand of chocolates Venchi (Turin), dated 1923, was previously unknown in the large format of this copy, 272x195 cm. The printer was Devambez in Paris, who had a branch in Turin.
Unfortunately the condition is not very good. The poster had been folded and present misses and repairs at the place of folds, and has been overpainted at several points.
Will the scarcity compensate the condition, and will the estimated $ 30 K be reached? Let us trust this auction house, for whose papers and posters are one of the main specialties. In this single sale, 18 lots (302 to 319) are devoted to Cappiello, with some images much better known than our chocolate. Let us take as examples the Thermogène (Lot 316, 158x120 cm, $ 1.5 K) and Fernet-Branca (Lot 309, 198x122 cm, $ 1.5 K).
1925 The Loving Creature
2014 SOLD 203 K$ including premium
Tomorrow July 19 in Dallas, Heritage sells one among four known copies of an original poster for the movie The Phantom of the Opera, in a one sheet format 69 x 104 cm, lot 83322.
This poster once belonged to the same collection as the piece in the same condition sold for $ 155K including premium by Heritage on 7 November 2008. This information is not sufficient to state that it is the same copy, but it is probable.
Here is my 2008 article:
Movie posters are a nice theme for a collection. They often let us go back to films that became unavailable or even lost, and we dive into the atmosphere of another era. Among them, posters for horror or scary movies constitute a specific market that is also not the same as for the posters of magics.
Universal Studios made a specialty of this type of motion pictures by starring Lon Chaney, the actor who raised his own make-up to the rank of art. This lot is an original poster of the 1925 film, from the only type that has shown Lon Chaney in the appearance of the loving ghost. He is under water with a periscope.
This film comes very early in the history of horror movies, and can be considered as legendary. It started a trend that moviegoers will continue to plebiscite during all these difficult years preceding World War II, for their relaxation. The visionary producer who worked these successes for Universal was Carl Laemmle.
I add (in 2014) that such early posters of horror movies offered the general atmosphere without trying to recreate a specific scene. There is no poster on the famous action when the actress removes the mask of the phantom, violently revealing the skull without flesh of the creature. This unexpected and unannounced scene gave the public the extreme thrill that they had expected.
POST SALE COMMENT
It is confirmed as one of the best posters of horror movies: sold for $ 203K including premium.
This poster once belonged to the same collection as the piece in the same condition sold for $ 155K including premium by Heritage on 7 November 2008. This information is not sufficient to state that it is the same copy, but it is probable.
Here is my 2008 article:
Movie posters are a nice theme for a collection. They often let us go back to films that became unavailable or even lost, and we dive into the atmosphere of another era. Among them, posters for horror or scary movies constitute a specific market that is also not the same as for the posters of magics.
Universal Studios made a specialty of this type of motion pictures by starring Lon Chaney, the actor who raised his own make-up to the rank of art. This lot is an original poster of the 1925 film, from the only type that has shown Lon Chaney in the appearance of the loving ghost. He is under water with a periscope.
This film comes very early in the history of horror movies, and can be considered as legendary. It started a trend that moviegoers will continue to plebiscite during all these difficult years preceding World War II, for their relaxation. The visionary producer who worked these successes for Universal was Carl Laemmle.
I add (in 2014) that such early posters of horror movies offered the general atmosphere without trying to recreate a specific scene. There is no poster on the famous action when the actress removes the mask of the phantom, violently revealing the skull without flesh of the creature. This unexpected and unannounced scene gave the public the extreme thrill that they had expected.
POST SALE COMMENT
It is confirmed as one of the best posters of horror movies: sold for $ 203K including premium.
1931 Frankenstein one sheet poster
2023 SOLD for $ 310K by Heritage
The 1931 one sheet Type A of Frankenstein is a lithographic poster 68 x 104 cm designed by Karoly Grosz, an art director at Universal Pictures.
The monster with the signature flat face of Boris Karloff is featured at the best place in a cartouche at the lower left. The rest of the image features the other main characters with a ghostly landscape in the background. As for the three sheet poster narrated here over, Karloff is in fourth position in the list of actors.
An example with vibrant colors graded Very Fine + on linen was sold for $ 190K by Heritage on March 17, 2004, lot 16175.
The overall population of the one sheet Type A recently grew to seven when one of them surfaced in Pennsylvania. Exceptionally clean after decades of oblivion in an attic, it is completely unrestored but folded. This time capsule in brilliant original colors is estimated $ 150K for sale by Heritage on April 29, 2023, lot 86338.
The monster with the signature flat face of Boris Karloff is featured at the best place in a cartouche at the lower left. The rest of the image features the other main characters with a ghostly landscape in the background. As for the three sheet poster narrated here over, Karloff is in fourth position in the list of actors.
An example with vibrant colors graded Very Fine + on linen was sold for $ 190K by Heritage on March 17, 2004, lot 16175.
The overall population of the one sheet Type A recently grew to seven when one of them surfaced in Pennsylvania. Exceptionally clean after decades of oblivion in an attic, it is completely unrestored but folded. This time capsule in brilliant original colors is estimated $ 150K for sale by Heritage on April 29, 2023, lot 86338.
Heritage Unleashes Hidden 1931 ‘Frankenstein’ #MoviePoster During April Event Full of Historic First-Time Offerings!
— Heritage Auctions (@HeritageAuction) April 10, 2023
‘Neon masterpiece’ Endless Summer joins more than 100 #scifi and #horror rarities from legendary #Hollywood prop house.https://t.co/O5LLlANU4d pic.twitter.com/usuVV1Fz3s
1932 The Real Ape Man
2015 SOLD for $ 84K including premium
The moviegoers of the interwar enjoy the thrillers. The horror movies produced by Universal are not enough to meet the whole extent of their desires. In 1932, the Metro Goldwyn Mayer releases Tarzan the Ape Man. Technical progress is fast and the fans hear for the first time the famous yodel based call of Tarzan.
The star is Johnny Weissmuller who from then appears as the prototype of the beautiful young American who complacently displays his impressive muscles. His pedigree is impeccable: five gold medals in swimming, spread over the Olympic Games of 1924 and 1928.
According to the practice of that time, several designs of posters advertise the release of the movie. Only one of them is a realistic copy of a scene from the film. Tarzan and Jane are tenderly embracing.
No one-sheet example of that poster was known until one of them surfaced very recently. This litho on linen 69 x 104 cm kept very fresh colors and some defects including pinholes have been repaired.
It is for sale by Heritage in Dallas on November 21, lot 86022. The estimate is announced in excess of $ 40K but the auction house admits in its press release the difficulty to predict the price of such a rarity.
Real life is not so rosy. The lovely Maureen O'Sullivan who played the character of Jane in the first six films of the series hated her great Johnny who had tried to seduce her.
The star is Johnny Weissmuller who from then appears as the prototype of the beautiful young American who complacently displays his impressive muscles. His pedigree is impeccable: five gold medals in swimming, spread over the Olympic Games of 1924 and 1928.
According to the practice of that time, several designs of posters advertise the release of the movie. Only one of them is a realistic copy of a scene from the film. Tarzan and Jane are tenderly embracing.
No one-sheet example of that poster was known until one of them surfaced very recently. This litho on linen 69 x 104 cm kept very fresh colors and some defects including pinholes have been repaired.
It is for sale by Heritage in Dallas on November 21, lot 86022. The estimate is announced in excess of $ 40K but the auction house admits in its press release the difficulty to predict the price of such a rarity.
Real life is not so rosy. The lovely Maureen O'Sullivan who played the character of Jane in the first six films of the series hated her great Johnny who had tried to seduce her.
1933 Come and See the Invisible Man !
2010 SOLD 236 K$ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The themes of the films produced by Carl Laemmle for Universal were an opportunity to diversify the special effects such as to frighten an audience which asked and paid for that! It was logical that the Invisible Man, as initiated in the novel by HG Wells, joins Dracula and Frankenstein in the list of his successes.
The film and the poster were released in 1933. A copy of this very rare poster is for sale on December 17 in Beverly Hills by Profiles in History.
This single sheet model in very fine condition with normal foldlines is estimated $ 200K.
POST SALE COMMENT
The poster was sold for $ 200K before fees. Including the premium, the price is 236K.
For such a piece which was not unique, this price is outstanding.
LATER COMMENT
All links to the catalogue are now removed. I nevertheless found that this lot was a Style B (Karoly Grosz artwork). The size of this style as a one sheet is 27" x 41".
The themes of the films produced by Carl Laemmle for Universal were an opportunity to diversify the special effects such as to frighten an audience which asked and paid for that! It was logical that the Invisible Man, as initiated in the novel by HG Wells, joins Dracula and Frankenstein in the list of his successes.
The film and the poster were released in 1933. A copy of this very rare poster is for sale on December 17 in Beverly Hills by Profiles in History.
This single sheet model in very fine condition with normal foldlines is estimated $ 200K.
POST SALE COMMENT
The poster was sold for $ 200K before fees. Including the premium, the price is 236K.
For such a piece which was not unique, this price is outstanding.
LATER COMMENT
All links to the catalogue are now removed. I nevertheless found that this lot was a Style B (Karoly Grosz artwork). The size of this style as a one sheet is 27" x 41".
1934 Poster for Dream and Nightmare
2009 SOLD 335 K$ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Start with the nightmare. In 1934, Universal Studios already accumulated more than ten years of success in horror movies. The originality of that year is to highlight two star actors, Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, in a film that was titled "The Black Cat".
And now the dream (of any collector): the poster of this film for sale by Heritage Auctions in Dallas on November 13was a model not listed so far, and it is in excellent condition (near mint +) .
The black cat, whose eyes and whiskers shine, is walking between the faces of the two actors. The design is beautiful and expressive, typical of that period. This sheet about 70 x 100 cm is immaculate, without even the trace of a pinhole.
It comes from a prestigious collection, the same as The Mummy (1932) that sold for $ 450K including premium by Sotheby's on March 1, 1997. For the Black Cat, Heritage is taking little risk in announcing an estimate of 250 K$. It is well known that the rarest pieces in perfect condition can expect that price.
The image of that lot is shared by Antique News.
Start with the nightmare. In 1934, Universal Studios already accumulated more than ten years of success in horror movies. The originality of that year is to highlight two star actors, Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, in a film that was titled "The Black Cat".
And now the dream (of any collector): the poster of this film for sale by Heritage Auctions in Dallas on November 13was a model not listed so far, and it is in excellent condition (near mint +) .
The black cat, whose eyes and whiskers shine, is walking between the faces of the two actors. The design is beautiful and expressive, typical of that period. This sheet about 70 x 100 cm is immaculate, without even the trace of a pinhole.
It comes from a prestigious collection, the same as The Mummy (1932) that sold for $ 450K including premium by Sotheby's on March 1, 1997. For the Black Cat, Heritage is taking little risk in announcing an estimate of 250 K$. It is well known that the rarest pieces in perfect condition can expect that price.
The image of that lot is shared by Antique News.
1935 What will Frankenstein do again ?
2010 unsold
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The first promotional posters for a movie come out before the movie itself. Identified
as the "teaser posters", they should draw the attention of the public by preserving some suspense, and give little information on the actual features of the film.
In 1931, Frankenstein, the James Whale film produced by Carl Laemmle and distributed by Universal Pictures, was a huge success. Dr. Frankenstein has created an artificial man without realizing that he had implanted the brain of a monster. In the role of the monster, the public discovers the new super star, Boris Karloff.
I have already explained in these columns that Laemmle had understood the huge potential for success of the horror films, at a time when the moviegoers were trying to distract from the sad news of crisis and unemployment.
In 1935 appears the teaser poster of The Bride of Frankenstein. It is a small sheet, 67 x 100 cm, to be displayed in the theaters.
We recognize the powerful monster, of course, in a worrying cherry red tone. The text is brilliantly ambiguous, maintaining the amalgam between the creator and the creature: "Who Will Be The Bride of Frankenstein? Who Will Dare?" The monster breathes his request: "I Demand a Mate".
No other information, but do not change a winning team: the new film is made by the same team as the previous one.It is considered the best film in its category.
Miracle: one copy of the teaser poster, only one, survived! From a prestigious collection and in Fine- condition, this poster is estimated $ 700K, for sale by Heritage Auction Galleries on November 12 in Beverly Hills. No movie poster has ever been auctioned in this price range.
The image is shared by the auction house in its press release. I also invite you to visit the article shared by Paul Fraser Collectibles, which embodies the video of the most exciting part of the film, when scientists live the bride and show her to the monster.
Happy Halloween!
The first promotional posters for a movie come out before the movie itself. Identified
as the "teaser posters", they should draw the attention of the public by preserving some suspense, and give little information on the actual features of the film.
In 1931, Frankenstein, the James Whale film produced by Carl Laemmle and distributed by Universal Pictures, was a huge success. Dr. Frankenstein has created an artificial man without realizing that he had implanted the brain of a monster. In the role of the monster, the public discovers the new super star, Boris Karloff.
I have already explained in these columns that Laemmle had understood the huge potential for success of the horror films, at a time when the moviegoers were trying to distract from the sad news of crisis and unemployment.
In 1935 appears the teaser poster of The Bride of Frankenstein. It is a small sheet, 67 x 100 cm, to be displayed in the theaters.
We recognize the powerful monster, of course, in a worrying cherry red tone. The text is brilliantly ambiguous, maintaining the amalgam between the creator and the creature: "Who Will Be The Bride of Frankenstein? Who Will Dare?" The monster breathes his request: "I Demand a Mate".
No other information, but do not change a winning team: the new film is made by the same team as the previous one.It is considered the best film in its category.
Miracle: one copy of the teaser poster, only one, survived! From a prestigious collection and in Fine- condition, this poster is estimated $ 700K, for sale by Heritage Auction Galleries on November 12 in Beverly Hills. No movie poster has ever been auctioned in this price range.
The image is shared by the auction house in its press release. I also invite you to visit the article shared by Paul Fraser Collectibles, which embodies the video of the most exciting part of the film, when scientists live the bride and show her to the monster.
Happy Halloween!