Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 970:
Description
This wonderfully illustrated lithograph is from Alphonse Mucha’s
Le Pater. The work was published in Paris by Champenois et Piazza et Cie in 1899. The work was limited in publication to 510 copies. Mucha felt that this work was his finest achievement as an illustrator and it was first religious illustrations.
It was said of this work: “At this auspicious time, the turn of a century, Mucha wanted to deliver to future generations his reflections upon human life and man’s place in the universe. He wished to present the way that leads man to a gradual ascent to the divine ideal. He determined to fulfill these goals in his own version of the Lord’s Prayer.” (Mucha/Art Nouveau, p. 233)
The work contained a page that stated the Lord’s prayer, a page of Mucha’s interpretation of the verses, and his own philosphical response. Mucha illustrated each line of the Lord’s prayer using his designs (moon, eight pointed stars) and inspirations from Kabbalah and Masonic philosophy. Mucha represented God as a mysterious shadow representing him as everywhere but invisible. The illustration of the Woman is to represent love, which descends from Heaven.
Alphonse (Alfons) Maria Mucha (1860-1939) was a Bohemian and Czech artist. He produced most of his early work in Paris and truly broke through around 1895. He moved back to Prague in 1910. Mucha was one of the most influential artists to the art nouveau movement.
Paper Size: ~ 11 3/4" by 15 3/4"
Paper Type or Special Features: Lithograph (some presented with gold hi-lites)
Condition report:
The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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