The Arts / Music. 1898.

ARTIST: ALPHONSE MUCHA (1860-1939) SIZE: 14 3/8 x 23 in./36.6 x 58.5 cm PRINTER: Imp. F. Champenois, Paris (not shown) DESCRIPTION: This is one of four panels in the set titled “The Arts”; Painting (see PAI-LXXXIV, 391), Poetry (see PAI-LXXXIV, 392), and Dance (see PAI-LXXXVIII, 394) were the other three designs. Each Muse is placed in a fine decorative frame with a circular motif; Music is shown listening attentively to a few songbirds. Note the long strands of hair entwined with the branches—a Mucha trademark. “When it comes to personifying abstract comments through beautiful women, Mucha’s inventiveness never flags. Here is abundant proof” (Rennert/Weill, p. 211). (Art Nouveau; Artist: Mucha)