Spring 1900

Alphonse Mucha crafted 'Spring', a chromolithograph, capturing the essence of renewal. Note the figure adorned with flowers, a classic symbol of spring’s fertility and the transient beauty of nature. The motif of a maiden with flora can be traced back to ancient times, seen in depictions of Flora, the Roman goddess of springtime. The gesture of holding flowers, seemingly simple, speaks volumes. Consider Botticelli’s ‘Primavera’ where Flora scatters blossoms, an act of generosity and abundance. Mucha's figure, in contrast, cradles the flowers, creating a more intimate, personal connection. Throughout the ages, we have seen the flower maiden evolve, adapted by artists in different cultures to reflect the changing understanding of nature and beauty. The figure’s serene expression in Mucha's work evokes a sense of hope. This image resonates because it taps into our collective memory, our innate understanding of spring as a time of rebirth.