ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939) TIMES OF THE DAY. Four decorative panels. 1899. 231/4x7 inches. Condition B+: minor losses in margins on two of the panels. Trimmed. On board. Framed. An exquisite Art Nouveau quartet representing "Morning Awakening," "Daytime Dash," "Evening Reverie" and "Nightly Rest." "The borders are worked out in such an exquisite 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, on each panel the borders are identical, providing the set with an inherent cohesiveness. However, Mucha brilliantly adds an additional flourish by presenting different floral patterns behind each border. Originally these four images were printed on a single sheet, but these have been separated to fit into a four-paneled frame. Rennert/Weill 62 (var 1), Wine Spectator 77 (var).
