Louis Rhead, La Femme au Paon, 1897, Lithograph on Paper

Details

Description

Louis rhead (1857-1926)

la femme au paon
(woman with peacock)

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", issue #3 … Read more Louis rhead (1857-1926)

la femme au paon
(woman with peacock)

original lithograph from the glorious portfolio "l'estampe moderne", issue #3 (july 1897)

on wove paper

year: 1897

size (sheet): 405 x 305 mm

signed on the plate "louis rhead", lower right

blind stamp of the publisher, lower right

excellent condition: minor signs of age and handling
full margins (not cropped, not trimmed)

this lithograph is in the collection of several important museums, including the museum of modern art (moma) in new york. See link:
https://www.moma.org/collection/works/67344?artist_id=4891&page=1&sov_referrer=artist

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about the collection (l'estampe moderne)

l'estampe moderne appeared in 1897-1899 as a series of 24 monthly fascicles, each containing 4 original lithographs, printed by parisian imprimerie champenois. Many accomplished european art nouveau painters contributed works to this publication, which contained only original prints invented and produced especially for this collection. The publication was edited by charles masson and h. Piazza. Each issue came in a paper cover bearing an original lithograph by alphonse mucha.
each lithograph was accompanied by a tissue containing the details (title of the artwork, name of the artist, etc.) and a short text by a well-known author who inspired the artist.
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the artist

louis rhead (1857–1926) was a british-born american artist and illustrator who became one of the most influential figures in the "golden age" of the poster. His style is a vibrant fusion of art nouveau and the arts and crafts movement, characterized by bold, thick outlines, flattened perspectives, and a rich, saturated color palette. Deeply influenced by the works of eugene grasset, rhead’s designs often featured statuesque women—frequently referred to as "rhead girls"—surrounded by intricate floral motifs and stylized natural elements.
rhead was a master of the decorative line, using it to create harmonious compositions that balanced commercial appeal with high-art sensibilities. Beyond his iconic advertising posters, he was a prolific book illustrator, bringing a distinct medievalist charm to classics like robin hood and the pilgrim’s progress.
his work is held in esteemed collections globally, including: the metropolitan museum of art, new york; the museum of modern art (moma), new york; the victoria and albert museum, london; the library of congress, washington, d.c.; musée d'orsay, paris
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from the text on the tissue paper:

"d'un port grave et fier, ses cheveux sombres piqués de la fleur rouge du grenadier, elle s'avance à pas lents dans les allées d'un jardin féerique. Ses paons familiers lui font cortège, s'harmonisant à sa beauté, et étalent orgueilleusement autour d'elle la gloire de leurs plumes ocellées. La femme au paon que rhead a bien voulu composer pour notre publication, lors de son dernier passage à paris, comptera parmi les œuvres les plus intéressantes de l'artiste américain que sa réputation avait déjà précede en france."

english translation:

with a grave and proud bearing, her dark hair pinned with the red flower of the pomegranate tree, she advances with slow steps through the paths of a fairylike garden. Her familiar peacocks follow in her procession, harmonizing with her beauty, and proudly spread around her the glory of their ocellated feathers. The woman with a peacock, which rhead kindly composed for our publication during his last visit to paris, will count among the most interesting works of the american artist, whose reputation had already preceded him in france.
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important:

. The listing is for the original print, in the above mentioned excellent condition.
. The original tissue paper introduction will be given to the buyer as a gift
. The cover by mucha and the edition (back of the cover) are shown as a reference and proof of authenticity and edition this piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less