Alphonse Mucha's The Stars will command some of the highest bids in Christie's Vintage Posters auction on May 23 in London.
 Mucha was integral to the development of art nouveau, which was originally termed The Mucha Style |
The Czech artist's instantly recognisable art nouveau style is perfectly demonstrated in this series of four lithograph posters, which - like many of Mucha's works - have been widely reproduced. Such is their popularity and fame, the original prints are expected to sell for £40,000-60,000 ($62,040-94,060).
Alphonse Mucha was responsible for kick starting art nouveau in Europe, which was initially termed The Mucha Style. His work often features young women with flowing robes and flowers, and these features have become synonymous with posters from the period.
Produced in 1902, The Stars will be followed by Mucha's earlier series of four The Flowers, which was made in 1897. Estimated at £25,000-35,000 ($38,688-54,167), these less accomplished but nonetheless arresting posters reflect the development of Mucha's signature style.
 It is thought that Hughes himself created the scandal over The Outlaw's sexual content, which in turn led to much-needed publicity |
Movie posters also make an appearance in the auction, with the US six-sheet for eccentric millionaire Howard Hughes' banned 1943 production The Outlaw expected to raise £15,000-25,000 ($23,212-38,688).
The film stars Jane Russell in her very first feature, but was pulled from screens after just one week due to its sexual content.
Reading "the picture that could not be stopped" across the top edge, this poster launched Russell's career as a Hollywood sex symbol. It is offered in A- condition and backed on linen.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has two very special vintage posters in stock. The first is the original poster for the 1968 Pontins May Ball, a fantastic example of poster art from the era. We also have a psychedelic poster from the California League of Sexual Freedom, with Captain Beefheart and 13th Floor Elevators heading the bill.
