Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Zodiaque" (also known as "La Plume") by Alphonse Mucha:

*Zodiaque,* created in 1896, is an outstanding example of Alphonse Mucha's distinctive Art Nouveau style. This lithograph, imbued with both intricacy and a sense of mystical elegance, showcases Mucha’s mastery of ornamental and decorative art.

The central figure of *Zodiaque* is a serene, alluring young woman crowned with an intricate halo of celestial symbols representing the zodiac. Her posture is tranquil, lending an air of timeless reverie to the piece. She is surrounded by a wealth of intricate, swirling lines and floral patterns that epitomize Mucha’s ornamental finesse.

Her hair, a cascade of luxuriant, wavy strands, melds seamlessly into the elaborate circular frame that encloses her. This framing device is typical of Mucha, who frequently employed such elements to add both structure and decorative richness to his compositions. Her gaze is unfocused, contributing to the ethereal quality of the piece.

Behind her, the background is a rich tapestry of earth tones, featuring an array of the twelve zodiac signs in a circular arrangement, each nestled within delicate and organic motifs of flowers, leaves, and curling wisps. The intricate borders are a feast for the eyes, blending geomancy and nature, tying human beauty to the cosmos.

The palette is primarily composed of soft pastels with harmonious hues of green, gold, and blue. These colors not only create an aesthetically pleasing unity but also evoke a sense of serenity and otherworldliness that complements the mystical theme of astrology.

*Zodiaque* was originally commissioned by the French magazine *La Plume* in 1896 for their calendar. The lithograph became enormously popular and exemplifies Mucha's ability to merge commercial art with high artistic achievement. Various originals and prints can be found in numerous collections and museums worldwide, including the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, the Mucha Foundation, and various private collections.

Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) was a Czech painter and decorative artist renowned for his distinct Art Nouveau style, which is characterized by its intricate lines, stylized floral patterns and organic forms. Mucha's career in the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw him ascend to become one of the most celebrated artists in Paris, particularly known for his posters, illustrations, advertisements, and designs.

*Zodiaque* fits into Mucha's broader oeuvre through its embodiment of the Art Nouveau movement, which sought to break away from traditional classical forms and embrace a new aesthetic of beauty inspired by natural forms and symbolist influences. Mucha’s work had a significant impact on graphic design and has influenced various forms of visual arts, from theatre posters to commercial illustrations.

1. Symbolism: The zodiac signs embedded within the artwork not only highlight the mystical and astrological interests of the era but also serve as a testament to Mucha’s fascination with different cultural and spiritual motifs.

2. Technique: Mucha’s use of lithography for *Zodiaque* enabled him to achieve exquisite detail and finesse, making his works widely accessible while maintaining high artistic quality.

3. Impact: The popularity of the piece cemented Mucha's reputation as a leading figure in Art Nouveau and influenced subsequent generations of artists, particularly in the realms of advertising and poster art.

*Zodiaque* is a quintessential Adam Mucha piece that exemplifies the union of beauty, mysticism, and design, encapsulating the essence of the Art Nouveau movement and preserving Mucha’s legacy as a master of decorative art.