The Seasons Series WINTER Woman Holds Bird to Warm Hands by Alphonse Mucha Print

Description: The Seasons Series WINTER Woman Holds Bird to Warm Hands by Alphonse Mucha Print The Seasons: Winter (1896) - Draped from head to toe in a pale green cape, the figure of Winter stands next to a snow-capped bush to shelter from the cold. In her hands she warms a small bird as three other birds look on in envy. The simplicity and flatness of the composition is reminiscent of traditional Japanese woodcuts and reveals Mucha's debt to Japanese art. About: "This was Mucha's first set of decorative panels and it became one of his most popular series. It was so popular that Mucha was asked by Champenois to produce at least two more sets based on the same theme in 1897 and 1900. Designs for a further two sets also exist. The idea of personifying the seasons was nothing new - examples could be found in the works of the Old Masters' as well as in Champenois's other publications. However, Mucha's nymph-like women set against the seasonal views of the countryside breathed new life into the classic theme. In the four panels shown here, Mucha captures the moods of the seasons - innocent Spring, sultry Summer, fruitful Autumn and frosty Winter, and together they represent the harmonious cycle of Nature." Size: 11 1/2" x 8 1/2" inches The print was taken from an art book (a book of prints). There may/may not be an image and or text on the back. The print is in very good condition. Wonderful for frame!! A background about the art style - "At the turn of the century, the posters decorating the streets of Paris were the art of the common people. The appearance of a new Mucha, Lautrec, or Cheret was a cause celebre throughout the city. The poster craze of La Belle Epoque was caused in part by modern innovations in lithography and printing that made it possible to reproduce quality posters in large quantities. The masses responded to artists like Mucha who popularized commercial style that came to be known as Art Nouveau" Some detail about the artist - "Alphonse Mucha was born in Czechoslovakia in July 1860. He was nineteen when he applied to be an apprentice scenery painter in Vienna. When the theatre burned down he went to Munich to study art formally. He wanted to paint frescoes and portraits but was unable to support himself with fine art commissions. Instead he illustrated short stories for a pulp fiction magazine. It was during this time that he shared a studio with Gauguin and began to study photography. Then, on Christmas Eve of 1894, Mucha was correcting proofs at a printing press for her play Gismonda. She wanted the poster by New Year's Eve. Since Mucha was the most available artist the printer could find, he was sent directly to the theatre. The 'Divine Sarah' was so pleased with the final product that she singed Mucha to a six year contract. This was the beginning of his success as a commercial artist. He did a total of nine posters for Bernhardt, as well as designing her jewelry, costumes, and stage scenery. Her endorsement and the popularity of subsequent Bernhardt posters brought in a flood of commissions from printers all over France." SEE AND USE PICTURES WE COMBINE SHIPPING PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS Track Page Views With Auctiva's FREE Counter

Price: 16 USD

Location: Erie, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-11-26T15:24:16.000Z

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