ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939) TIMES OF THE DAY / DEWEZ. 1899. 20 1/4x25 3/4 inches, 52x65 cm. Condition A-: repaired tears and restoration in corners, slightly affecting image. Matted and framed. A previously unknown variant of Mucha's exquisite Times of the Day. These images traditionally appear either over their individual titles, or over blank boxes to be filled in by advertisers. This variation advertises a Parisian store specializing in signs and window shades. A calendar and the company's name are printed below the four images. That it exists is a tribute to the universal popularity of Mucha's works, and the tireless salesmanship of his printer, Champenois, who continuously looked for companies to use his images in advertisements. It seems certain that over time other undocumented examples of Mucha's work incorporated into commercial use will surface. Rennert/Weill 62 (var 1), Wine Spectator 77 (both variations).
