Alfons Mucha (Czechoslovakian, 1860-1939) inscribed and autographed lithograph, The Four Seasons or Les Saisons, single sheet, depicting four beauties set in backgrounds representing Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. 23 1/4" x 12 3/8". Inscription lower right, "A Mademoiselle Anna M. Nelle a tout coeur en souvenir a se charmante visite. Mucha Paris le 28 12 1900". Provenance: The collection of internationally known ragtime pianist and historian Johnny Maddox, Gallatin, TN. Alfons Maria Mucha was born in Invancice, Moravia (Modern day Czech Republic), and began his career painting theatrical scenery. He did this for many years until a fire caused the business to be destroyed. He was later commissioned by Count Karl of Mikulov to decorate his residence, which led an impressed Mikulov to sponsor Muchaís formal art education. Mucha moved to Paris in 1887 where he studied art, while producing advertisement illustrations. He became an overnight sensation after producing a lithographed promotion for a play starring Sarah Bernhardt, one of the most famous Parisian actresses at the time. She signed an advertising contract with him for 6 years, and during this period the "Mucha Style" became known as "Art Nouveau". (source: alfonsmucha.org). Alternate spellings: Alphonce Mucha, Alfonse Mucha, Alfonse Mucha. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com.)

Adhered to support board, mat also adhered to front of poster. 3 1/4" tear to upper right corner with additional adjacent 5/8" tear. 1" tear upper left corner and 5/8" tear lower left corner. General toning. Mat with stains and toning.