ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939) ZODIAC. 1896. 25 1/4x18 1/2 inches. F. Champenois, Paris. Condition B+: repaired tears, creases and abrasions in margins and image; minor loss in upper text. Matted and framed. With the Zodiac, Mucha reaches the full maturity of his style, with every one of his signature design elements represented in their most fluid and elaborate manners. "The ornamental shapes and patterns around the perimeter are worked out with a precision and attention to detail unusual even for a meticulous artist like Mucha" (Rennert / Weill p. 100). This is the original version of the image, published as a calendar by Champenois. The exceptional image was so well-regarded that it was quickly bought by La Plume who began issuing it as a calendar branded with their own name at the top. The image went on to become a huge success and was ultimately used for a variety of different advertising purposes. In all, seven different variations have been identified. Renert / Weill 19, DFP-II 629 (var), Gold 97 (var).
