ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939) TIMES OF THE DAY. 1899. 26x32 7/8 inches. Condition B+: abrasions and soiling in margins. Framed. An exquisite Art Nouveau quartet representing "Morning Awakening," "Daytime Dash," "Evening Reverie" and "Nightly Rest." "The borders are worked out in such a lovely pattern that each picture appears to be mounted in an elaborate frame of its own, or else seen through a decorated window" (Rennert/Weill p. 232). In fact, the borders are identical on each panel, providing the set with an inherent cohesiveness. However, Mucha brilliantly adds an additional flourish by presenting different floral patterns behind each border. Rennert/Weill 62 (var 1), Wine Spectator 77 (var).
