Mar 01, 2018 - Sale 2467

Sale 2467 - Lot 197

Price Realized: $ 45,000
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 40,000 - $ 60,000
ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939) [THE SEASONS.] Group of 4 decorative panels. 1896.
Each approximately 41 3/4x23 1/2 inches, 106x59 3/4 cm. [F. Champenois, Paris.]
Condition varies, generally A-: mat-staining and minor abrasions in margins; punch holes in wide margins. Matted and framed.
In 1896, The Seasons were Mucha's first foray into the world of decorative panels, and they became "one of [his] most endearing and enduring sets. The idea of personifying the four seasons was nothing new . . . but Mucha breathed so much more life into it that this became one of the best selling sets of decorative panels" (Rennert / Weill p. 90). "Mucha's style of [this] time was characterized by brooding, melancholic figures, strong theatrical poses, and flowing robes that at the same time hide and reveal beautiful female bodies whose figures are outlined by bold decorative line" (Spirit of Art Nouveau p. 184). They were printed in many different variations and sizes. Mucha went on to design two further series of The Seasons in 1897 and 1900. Lendl p. 183, Rennert / Weill 18, Mucha / Henderson 5, Mucha / Bridges P3, Spirit of Art Nouveau 44.