ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939) ÉTOILE POLAIRE. 1902. 31 1/4x12 inches, 79 1/2x30 1/2 cm. Condition B+: repaired tears, creases and abrasions in margins and image; sharp crease through image; restored pin-holes in corners. Here, the cosmic maiden is cradling a star surrounded by ethereal, planetary rings, against a dark, star-studded sky. "In this series Mucha began to see the decorative panel as painting with a meaning deeper than mere ornament. He connected his attraction to higher ideals, expressed through the stars . . . The dramatic quality of the movement of the individual figures is also remarkable, resembling the great baroque artistic heritage of Mucha's country . . . at this time of his life Mucha was striving to be seen as an artist-philosopher, to which the theme of the Stars was highly suited" (Spirit of Art Nouvea p. 206). Rennert / Weill 82, Triumph des Jugendstils 99, Lendl 61, Mucha P47, Spirit of Art Nouveau 55d.
