Mucha La Plume Appraisal

Alphonse Mucha - Zodiac (La Plume)

This item is a color lithograph poster titled 'Zodiac,' originally designed by the renowned Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha in 1896 for the publication 'La Plume.' The image depicts a woman in profile, characterized by Mucha’s signature 'macaroni' hair style, which swirls in intricate, organic patterns against a background featuring an ornate halo of zodiac signs. The color palette consists of earthy terracotta tones, muted teals, and gold-leaf effects, illustrating high-quality Art Nouveau craftsmanship. The woman wears a highly detailed crown and jewelry reflecting Byzantine and folk influences. Text at the top references 'LA PLUME' and its Parisian address on Rue Bonaparte. The work is framed by elaborate foliate borders and celestial iconography at the base, including sun and moon medallions. This specific piece appears to be a modern reproduction or mid-century decorative print rather than a first-edition 19th-century lithograph, as evidenced by the high-gloss surface and modern paper texture visible in the photo. There is slight warping or waving of the paper along the edges, likely from being kept in a plastic sleeve. The printing shows clear registration and saturated colors, holding the intricate linework of the original design well. It represents the quintessential Fin de Siècle aesthetic of the Belle Époque era.